LaMarcus Aldridge is coming home to Texas and once again the San Antonio Spurs have found the next All-Star to help the transition from one era to the next.

Aldridge signed for $80 million over four years, with a player option after year three. Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich met with Aldridge a second time and apparently settled any and all questions the 6-11, 240 all star had about the future.

San Antonio appears to be poised to make another title run with the Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, while also creating the next phase of Popovich's system built around Aldridge and  Kawhi Leonard.

Aldridge starred at Texas from 2004 through 2006, averaging 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds a game. Aldridge was a 5-star recruit out of Seagoville HS.

He is a 4-time All-Star for the Portland Trailblazers who has averaged 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds a game.

The signing gives the Spurs another quick big man who can also hit the outside shot. Aldridge has a career shooting percentage of 43% from the 16-23 foot range and is 27% from beyond the 3-point arc. He never tried a 3-point shot in a game while at Texas.

His ability to stretch the floor while also attacking off the dribble, combined with his passing ability makes him a great fit for Popovich's offensive philosophy of always working to go from the "good to great" shot.

While his offensive game is focused on the perimeter, he has become a very good interior defender.

Of course it also fits nicely into the perception of the passing of the torch, from David Robinson to Tim Duncan to Lamarcus.

No matter, the NBA West is going to continue to be the most competitive conference this side of the SEC West.