Lakers Free Agency: DeAndre Jordan wants 4-year deal, larger role on offense

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan is interested in a four-year deal with the fourth year as a player option in free agency, according the ESPN's Chris Broussard. Such a deal would allow Jordan to opt out and become a free agent again at age 29 and secure one last long term deal as a pro. As Broussard notes, Jordan only seeking four years negates one of the Clippers' primary advantages of being able to offer a fifth year worth $27 million.

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of four teams Jordan will reportedly meet with on the first day of free agency, as well as the Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks.

Broussard also reports that Jordan will be seeking "a bigger role in the offense and is tired of being a third wheel behind Chris Paul and Blake Griffin with the team."  Jordan averaged 11.5 points while shooting an absurd 71 percent from the field to go with his 11.5 rebounds per game. How was Jordan able to shoot such a high percentage? By shooting almost exclusively inside the restricted area:

It remains to be seen how much of that type of efficiency Jordan could retain if transitioned to a larger role on offense with the Lakers or any other of the three teams vying for Jordan's services. Broussard reports that "the Mavericks are considered the likeliest team to persuade Jordan to leave the Clippers, and a source close to the situation told ESPN on Tuesday that it's '50/50' between the two teams."

However, if Jordan wants to stay in Los Angeles but switch jerseys, his rim protection and overall defensive capabilities would fill a major need for the Lakers, who are coming off of a season in which they ranked 29th out of the 30 NBA teams in defensive efficiency. Free agency begins tonight at midnight EST, when the Lakers are expected to meet with the Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge the minute the negotiating period begins.