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Los Angeles Lakers: Top 10 Free Agency Options

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) attempts a free throw during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) attempts a free throw during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

8. DeAndre Jordan, UFA

Position: Center

Age: 26

Experience: 7th Season

Slash Line: .710/.250/.397

Season Averages: 34.4 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 4.8 ORPG, 2.2 BPG, 1.0 SPG

As the hack-a-whomever approach has proven, poor free throw shooting can cause a player to sit for crucial periods of games. That’s become true for Los Angeles Clippers star DeAndre Jordan, who boasts a career free throw percentage of .417.

With the potential for a change to the rule, however, Jordan could rise meteorically from No. 8 on this list.

Jordan’s appeal is clear as an explosively athletic center whose mere size and presence deters opponents from driving the lane. He’s led the league in rebounds in consecutive seasons and has become a premier shot-blocker.

Jordan isn’t expected to leave the Clippers, but he’s eager to go through the highs and lows of free agency, per Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports (h/t Kevin Spain of USA TODAY Sports’ For The Win).

"“I mean I’ve obviously been here seven years, and the past two have been great,” he said. “Doc (Clippers coach Doc Rivers) has been my biggest supporter and the best coach I’ve ever had. The team is great. The guys are great. We have great camaraderie. But the free agency process is definitely going to be a fun one.”"

Coming off of a season in which he averaged 11.5 points, 15.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, Jordan has the league intrigued.

At the end of the day, Jordan signing anywhere will be contingent upon the acknowledgement of his horrendous free throw shooting. He shot an obscene 71.0 percent from the field, but converted less than 40 percent of his freebies.

As a player without much of an offensive repertoire, Jordan isn’t the conventional Lakers big man, and that’s why he’s lower than his ability would suggest.

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