The Los Angles Lakers are currently 3rd in the Western Conference, with a solid 15-6 record. They have started the season in a consistent fashion, but perhaps they could get even better. Any move that can be made in order for the Lakers to win a championship should be made. Rob Pelinka is an extremely competent GM, and if there is a trade to better the roster, then Pelinka will surely explore that avenue.
One of the veterans that left the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency was Dwight Howard. Howard was an integral part of the defense for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, as he provided a solid presence on the inside defensively, being able to block shots and use his athleticism to bother shots. While the Lakers have signed Montrezl Harrell as someone who can play the big man role, they still need a bigger center who can support Anthony Davis in guarding the best big men of the Western Conference.
A player that the Los Angeles Lakers could acquire that would fit the bill would be Hassan Whiteside of the Sacramento Kings. Luca De Angelis of Fansided’s Lake Show Life suggested that Hassan Whiteside could be the perfect fit for the Los Angeles Lakers as he is a good defender and fits a role on the roster.
Hassan Whiteside is my top target for the Los Angeles Lakers to try and acquire.
Whiteside’s reputation as a poor defender is largely unfounded. In 2019-20, he graded as elite for most advanced defensive metrics according to BBall Index, including in the 96th percentile for my favorite stat (Defensive PIPM).
I envision Whiteside as a perfect fit for last season’s Dwight Howard role. Whiteside wouldn’t need to see significant minutes in most matchups – against smaller teams, he’d most likely be a DNP-CD or receive trivial court-time. However, against teams with a plethora of big bodies, having a rim-protecting 7-footer would be an amazing asset to have.
De Angelis mentions that Hassan Whiteside would get spot minutes in Los Angeles, matching up against teams that go with bigger lineups. Having options off of the bench is always good, and a contending team wants to be prepared for any eventuality. While Whiteside certainly wouldn’t take over Marc Gasol’s starting role, he would be an option when an experienced rim protector is needed.
Playing with LeBron James would give Hassan Whiteside the opportunity to compete for a championship, and perhaps rebuild his value. Many teams have passed over Whiteside in free agency, leading him to sign a one-year minimum contract with the Sacramento Kings. It is insane that a player who has averaged a double-double for six seasons straight before the 2020-21 season was picked up on such a low-value contract. Perhaps if Whiteside can win a championship, he can be viewed as a winning and experienced veteran, leading to a lucrative deal for him in the future.
It remains to be seen whether Hassan Whiteside can make his way over to the Los Angeles Lakers, but if he could, that would be a good fit for both parties. Hassan Whiteside could help the Los Angeles Lakers win a championship, but only time will tell if he manages to make his way there.
