Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: DeAndre Jordan remains a target for the Lakers

What's the story?

The window for NBA teams to make trades has now passed, however, teams looking to make further additions can still take advantage of the buyout market. The market offers veteran players on short-term deals until the end of the season, and despite currently playing for the New York Knicks, DeAndre Jordan could soon agree to a buyout.

In order to be eligible for the Playoffs, Jordan would need to be bought out before March 1st, and Bleacher Report is reporting that the Lakers remain interested in acquiring the Knicks center:

A better fit would be New York Knicks Center DeAndre Jordan, who the Lakers are eyeing before the March 1 playoff-eligibility waiver deadline. Jordan still has a home in Los Angeles, but there's no guarantee he'd pick the Lakers should the Knicks set him free. Other teams in better playoff position may be able to beat out James and the Lakers, but Jordan would be worth relegating starter JaVale McGee to the bench.

In case you didn't know...

Jordan played one season of college basketball in Texas before being selected by the LA Clippers in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft. The 6 ft 11-inch center became a mainstay and was with them for more than a decade, playing a vital role during the team's famous 'Dub City' years.

Jordan eventually left the Clippers last summer, joining the Dallas Mavericks. With that being said though, the 30-year-old was traded less than six months later as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas.

The heart of the matter

There is no doubting that Jordan would be a major upgrade on JaVale McGee. With that being said, the Lakers' playoff hopes are in serious doubt and it remains to be seen whether Jordan would choose to sign with Luke Walton's team. Ultimately, while Jordan is more than likely to hit the buyout market, the veteran may have more attractive proposals than the Lakers during the coming weeks.

What's next?

The Lakers will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies next on Monday night.