Lakers first in line for a sit-down with Aldridge

By Mike Bresnahan/Los Angeles TimesThe Los Angeles Lakers introduced themselves to LaMarcus Aldridge the moment free agency began Tuesday night, hoping to sign that still-elusive free-agent big man after being rebuffed the previous two summers.Kobe Bryant and James Worthy were expected to join an army of executives scheduled to meet with Aldridge: Jeanie Buss, Jim Buss, Mitch Kupchak and Coach Byron Scott represented the franchise, along with pitchmen from AEG and TWC SportsNet and team vice presidents Tim Harris (business) and John Black (publicity).The team planned about an hour of business-type pitches that spoke to the branding potential of Aldridge as a member of the Lakers. Then the franchise’s basketball side was expected to take over — Kupchak, Scott and assistant general manager Glenn Carraro — to talk about the on-court vision if Aldridge joined them. The Lakers have about $23 million to spend toward next season, and Aldridge would take up $18.8 million if he agreed to a four-year, $80-million maximum deal.The Lakers are somewhat hamstrung now but will be swimming in money in a year, freed from Bryant’s $25-million salary for 2015-16 and presumably in the chase for Kevin Durant while eagerly taking advantage of the NBA’s projected cap jump from $67 million to $90 million thanks to an influx of new TV money.Aldridge, who turns 30 in two weeks, represents what the Lakers desperately need these days, an All-Star power forward who can score and rebound for a suddenly backcourt-heavy franchise.The Lakers have a quietly positive feeling about signing the four-time All-Star, who played nine seasons with Portland. The Lakers and San Antonio are part of a “two-horse race” for Aldridge, according to a person familiar with his thinking. The extra $28 million he could get in a fifth contract year from Portland is not expected to factor into his decision.The Lakers will also meet with Clippers center DeAndre Jordan on Wednesday night and Cleveland forward Kevin Love either today or tomorrow.Jordan, 26, might be the best rebounder-shot blocker in the game, though he is said to be split 50-50 on going to Dallas or returning to the Clippers.Love, 26, had an off year in Cleveland and said in February there was not a scenario where he’d play for the Lakers, who had long admired his outside touch and rebounding proficiency. The Lakers managed to secure a meeting with him but the Cavaliers are thought to be overwhelming favorites to retain him.The last two summers marked tough sledding for one of the NBA’s proudest franchises: Dwight Howard took less money and bolted for Houston, Carmelo Anthony listened intently but returned to New York, and Pau Gasol opted for a fresh start in Chicago, also for less money.Kupchak promised the Lakers would continue to be aggressive and secured the first meeting with Aldridge, who planned to also meet with San Antonio and Dallas, among other teams.LaMarcus Aldridge