Lakers Free Agency: D'Angelo Russell makes free agency pitch to LaMarcus Aldridge, praises Kobe Bryant

D'Angelo Russell already has Los Angeles Lakers fans in a frenzy about next season, hoping that his sweet shooting and incredible passing skills can breathe life back into the purple and gold. Now Russell is working on his big assist just days into his career: helping bring free agent big man LaMarcus Aldridge to Los Angeles.

During an appearance on "The Jim Rome Show", Russell was given an opportunity to talk about how he would pitch Aldridge to convince him to join the Lakers. Here is what he had to say:

"Man, who doesn't want to be in L.A., starting with that. The franchise is on the come up, they've been so spoiled with winning around here, losing is not an option," Russell said. "I mean Portland, he played well, they played well as a team, they made some strides, but L.A., just me being out here for these few days, these few months I was before, there's nothing like it. A lot of guys want to be here, a lot of guys live here in the summer, so many faces here that you play on the Lakers you are already at the top of the crop of all the people that live here."

Russell was also given an opportunity to discuss his feelings on playing alongside guard Kobe Bryant, stating:

"He was the Michael Jordan of my era," Russell said of Bryant. "Not a lot guys could get spoiled enough to land in one of the greatest franchises in the world and also play under one of the top known vets left in the league, so for me to get to play under him is almost spoiling."

With Russell in the fold and Bryant preparing for retirement the Lakers will be exploring a number of options to shore up their front court, with the main targets being Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, and Kevin Love. The Lakers offer the opportunity to play and grow alongside a young core, and Russell's passing ability is sure to be a major lure to help bring talent to the purple and gold.

Free agency starts at 9 pm PT Tuesday night, and Lakers fans should expect to hear a number of rumors about who the Lakers are pursuing. Regardless of who they sign, it's apparent that Mitch Kupchak has found an impressive young talent in D'Angelo Russell.

Check out the entire Russell interview here, it's definitely worth a listen.

Follow Trevor Lane on Twitter @16ringsNBA