Dec 26, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward
(14) is pushed back by Miami Heat center
(21) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center.The Miami Heat won 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
1. Hassan Whiteside
Perhaps the biggest wildcard in all of free agency this summer is going to be current Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside. Since midway through the 2014-15 season, Whiteside has become one of the most dominant and athletic rim protectors and shot blockers in the NBA. Considering the Lakers’ need for an athletic defender on the interior, Whiteside would be a huge asset in Los Angeles.
The big man’s defensive abilities are obviously going to carry his value as he hits the open market, but it’s not the only thing that he brings to the table. He’s also a more than capable scorer in pick-and-roll situations with the length and quickness that the majority of opposing big men can’t totally handle when they are trying to defend Whiteside.
The two major questions about Whiteside as he enters free agency is how he would fare outside of Miami and what his full potential as an NBA center actually is. He’s going to demand a big contract without question and, at the very least, the Lakers should explore the option of bringing him into Los Angeles. If everything were to work out with him, it would be a move that could very well change the course of the franchise for the better.