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5 Potential Trade Targets For Los Angeles Lakers

By Carter Johnson

Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) lineup for a free throw during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) lineup for a free throw during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) celebrates after scoring in the second half against the Portland Trailblazers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) celebrates after scoring in the second half against the Portland Trailblazers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Hassan Whiteside

Simply put, the Lakers’ greatest need is on defense. They need to improve there and they need to do so fast.

Enter Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside at only 26 years of age could become the perennial defensive anchor the Lakers have desperately needed. It also can’t hurt that he boasts a hint of competence on the offensive end as well, as indicated by the highlights above and his season averages of 12.3 points per game and 11.3 rebounds per game.

The Miami Heat are in quite the situation with the young center, as he’s clearly proven his worth and is in for a big check come this summer, whether they decide to pay it or not. Should they pass on Whiteside, the Lakers would almost certainly be among the leaders of the pack in the race to sign him this offseason. As a result, the team would probably prefer to play the rest of the season out with Roy Hibbert and go after the youngster in June.

However, if another team stepped up and made a play for Whiteside, the Lakers might be forced to make a move for him right now.

Since Whiteside’s contract is under $1 million, the Lakers would be unable to trade the players they would prefer to for him without absorbing more players and contracts from the Heat. The only direct trade that works is sending Jordan Clarkson who, despite regressing some from his rookie season, is still considered valuable to the team at the moment.

The Heat rank dead last in bench points per game and are looking to add more scorers to that unit. For this reason, the Lakers may have to part with Lou Williams to make this trade work.

For now, it seems like pulling teeth for the Lakers and doesn’t seem very likely, but don’t be surprised if they find a way in the midst of pressure to get it done.

Next: A Legitimate Stretch-4

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