When the Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran center DeAndre Jordan last summer, they thought they were getting a solid center who would defend, rebound and occasionally get an easy basket or two.
It didn’t work out. At age 33, he clearly isn’t what he was just five years ago when he was swatting shots, gobbling up rebounds and throwing down transition dunks with regularity.
The Lakers released him days ago after signing guard D.J. Augustin and forward Wenyen Gabriel, and Jordan was subsequently signed by the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that expects to contend for the NBA championship.
Jordan had some good things to say about his former team when he reflected on starting the season in L.A.
“I enjoyed my time there, for sure,” said Jordan.
“I do think those guys (the Lakers) are going to have some success late,” Jordan added.
After sending Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire star guard James Harden, the Sixers needed a reliable backup center, and they believe Jordan can get the job done.
Meanwhile, the Lakers desperately need some serviceable depth up front, especially with superstar big man Anthony Davis sidelined with a sprained foot and LeBron James experiencing left knee pain again.
Although Gabriel, who is 6-foot-9 and 24 years old, has barely played since joining the team, head coach Frank Vogel said he believes he has the potential to become a rotation player for L.A.
