The Lakers Road Back to Relevance Heavily Hinges on Free Agency

Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) blocks the shot from New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Hassan Whiteside:

Fit: Good
Likelihood: Fair

If the Lakers don’t choose to retain Roy Hibbert in the off-season, Hassan Whiteside is their best option to replace him. The two players are comparable as rim-protectors, while Whiteside is a far superior rebounder. Although Hibbert has played very well for the Lakers this year, Whiteside may actually be a better fit for the team as he is a few years younger and is the better athlete.

Whiteside would be a strong defensive presence for the struggling team, and his strength and size make him a good finisher around the rim. His athleticism could make him an easy target for the Lakers’ young play makers, while his blocks and rebounds can help start the break more regularly.

However, Whiteside previously worked out for the Lakers and the team chose to not sign him, a fact the center has commented on before. This resentment may make it more difficult for the Lakers to secure the services of the talented big man. If the two parties can settle their differences, the on-court fit definitely won’t be a problem.

Al Jefferson:

Fit: Poor
Likelihood: Low

If the Lakers sign Al Jefferson in this off-season, or even make an attempt to do so, it will show that they have learned nothing from their recent failures. Jefferson, while talented, fits very poorly into a team in need of youth and defense. The lumbering big man excels in the post but is a very poor rim-protector, and at thirty years old will simply be another stop-gap player for the front office to secure empty wins.

Although Al Jefferson would give the Lakers offensive production, his contribution would most likely not even make the Lakers a playoff team, let alone contenders. This would be the exact type of move the Lakers have made to get themselves into this mess. Sacrificing development and rebuilding to prioritize mediocrity and sign players with notable names. Hopefully the front office has learned enough to focus on youth and sustainability this off-season, and not look to sign players like Jefferson.

Next: Restricted Free Agents: Barnes and Ezeli