Los Angeles Lakers: 3 superstars team could target during 2019 free agency

Hassan Whiteside, C, Miami Heat

Originally, I was going to put Jimmy Butler in this first slot. However, with a couple of other wings also coming up, it only made sense to take a look at a big man the Lakers could be looking to acquire come 2019.

Hence, the inclusion of Hassan Whiteside.

Back in 2016, Whiteside was signed to a massive deal to be the new face of the Miami Heat. However, we’re here in 2018 and things haven’t gone as planned. There have been rumors of Whiteside potentially moving before the trade deadline, although the team isn’t making a concerted effort to put a deal together (via the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson). It’s looking like he’ll be searching for a new place to call home in about a year and a half.

Maybe the Lakers will be interested when that time comes. They don’t have a proven young center on the roster, and Brook Lopez seems unlikely to return next season. Unless Ivica Zubac or Thomas Bryant suddenly emerges as a quality starter, Whiteside would fill a significant hole.

On top of that, he’s an elite rim protector, something the Lakers haven’t had in years. Adding Whiteside would be a big upgrade for Los Angeles on both ends of the floor, helping them build a more complete starting lineup that can compete with the rest of the Western Conference.