Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said that the team will focus on upgrading their frontcourt when free agency period starts on July 1 especially after drafting second overall pick D'Angelo Russell, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

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Russell, a spitfire guard from Ohio State who can seamlessly play at both 1 and 2 positions, is expected to start alongside Kobe Bryant and Jordan Clarkson to showcase the Lakers' new three-guard combo attack next season.

The team is left with only the returning second-year power forward Julius Randle manning the front and would need an additional big man to complete their projected versatile starting unit. According to Kupchak, they are planning to acquire their requisite frontcourt player through this summer's free agency.

As per Lakers Nation's Corey Hansford, the team "could really use some help up front, especially at the center position." With Carlos Boozer turning 34 in November and Jordan Hill allegedly on the trading block, the Lakers are sorely lacking in frontcourt depth as of the moment. This led to some people questioning the Lakers' decision to draft Russell instead of the hulking 6-foot-11 Jahlil Okafor, who was snatched by the Philadelphia 76ers at no. 3.

But Kupchak defended their decision, saying that amongst all of the draftees, they thought Russell had the most potential.

"His upside is unlimited, and we didn't feel that way about all the players we were considering," Kupchak said, referring to the 6-foot-5 sweet shooter. "He is young. He has gifts you can work really long and hard on."

Reportedly, there are three free agents that the Lakers are currently eyeing, namely: Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Cleveland's Kevin Love, and the Clippers' DeAndre Jordan. Of the three, Aldridge is said to be their first option, as per SB Nation's Drew Garrison.

The team is allegedly cooking a four-year, $80 million deal to snag the All-Star power forward away from the Blazers. Aldridge, who was purportedly looking for a new team this offseason, said that he is not intending to return in Portland next season and is currently looking at the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the San Antonio Spurs as possible destinations.

A Lakers deal with the Sacramento Kings involving DeMarcus Cousins was recently rejected by Kupchak and company as the latter had asked the no. 2 pick, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson in exchange. Kupchak was firm in holding on "such youthful parts, mindful they could help the team's long-term rebuilding project."

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Los Angeles Lakers, LaMarcus Aldridge, D'Angelo Russell