The Lakers have a great young core with D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson (who they should re-sign in free agency), Julius Randle, and No.2 overall pick Brandon Ingram. They could use a center, though, and ESPN reports they're targeting the best center outside of Andre Drummond on the market, Miami free agent Hassan Whiteside.
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to aggressively pursue Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside when NBA free agency starts, according to league sources.With rim protection and perimeter shooting ranking as the Lakers' foremost areas of concern heading into the open market, sources told ESPN.com that Whiteside has emerged a priority target for L.A.
Source: Los Angeles Lakers to aggressively pursue Hassan Whiteside in free agency.
The Lakers struggled to a large degree defensively the past four years, a mark they're looking to improve upon with Luke Walton as their new coach. Adding Whiteside is a gamble. He struggled with defensive awareness for most of his emergence in Miami, but started to turn things around late last year, catching more rotations and becoming a better impact defender than just a shot blocker.
Maturity questions plagued Whiteside throughout his tenure in Miami, frustrating his veteran teammates, but over time, Whiteside really started to "get it" and showed maturity. He is a dominant rim protector and pick and roll finisher. While significantly older than the rest of the Lakers core, he would fit their young, athletic brand. The question is whether Luke Walton can rehabilitate the locker room culture fast enough to handle Whiteside and if Whiteside is ready to be that kind of leader.
If he is, the Lakers may not win 40 games, but they're going to be amazing to watch. They might wind up as the most athletic Lakers team since Showtime.
The Warriors, Mavericks and Heat are expected to be among the other suitors for Whiteside.
