Lakers Rumors

Report: DeAndre Jordan told those around him he didn’t come to Nets to be ‘Jarrett Allen’s backup’

Published by
Robert Marvi

After spending a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets, veteran center DeAndre Jordan is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Reportedly, Jordan was unhappy about not getting enough playing time while in Brooklyn.

“The biggest elephant in the room: Jordan allegedly told those around him that he didn’t come to Brooklyn to be Jarrett Allen’s backup,” wrote Anthony Puccio of TheAssociation.com. “[Kenny] Atkinson would not bow down to Jordan, thus providing one of the first dominoes in his firing. As soon as Atkinson was ousted, DJ was back in the starting lineup.”

Not too long ago, Jordan was one of the better centers in the NBA. He was a key part of the “Lob City” Los Angeles Clippers thanks to his ability to run the floor, throw down dunks, grab rebounds and protect the rim.

His athleticism has declined, and he is now 33 years of age, but he may still have value to bring to the Purple and Gold.

It is unclear how much playing time he will get with the Lakers, but it appears it won’t be very substantial. The team brought back Dwight Howard, who was a key member of the 2020 championship team, and as of now, veteran Marc Gasol is still on the roster.

Perhaps the Lakers are hoping that Jordan will provide much of what Javale McGee gave them two seasons ago en route to an NBA title.

Robert Marvi

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif., and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA fan since he was a little kid in the mid '90s and fell in love with the Nick Van Exel-led Lakers teams. He truly cherishes the Kobe Bryant-era of Lakers basketball and the five world championships that came with it, and is looking forward to the team's next NBA title.

Published by
Robert Marvi

Recent Posts

Present and former Lakers praise LeBron’s clutch gene after big Game 3

Behind the heroics of a 41-year-old LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers got a huge…

April 25, 2026

Sources: Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard

The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard this offseason, sources told…

March 16, 2026

Sources: Lakers to offer Austin Reaves $240M, have ‘no fear’ of losing him in FA

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to offer Austin Reaves a five-year, $240 million contract this…

March 11, 2026

Sources: LeBron James not interested in playing for the Warriors

LeBron James is not interested in playing for the Golden State Warriors next season if…

March 9, 2026

Sources: Steph Curry, Draymond Green to ‘heavily recruit’ LeBron this offseason

Golden State Warriors legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will heavily recruit LeBron James this…

March 2, 2026

Sources: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves to have big say in if LeBron is back with Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the…

February 27, 2026