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Lakers: Top 3 Positions of Need Before the Trade Deadline

By Eric Yee

Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott talks with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott talks with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Bass (2) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings 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 Brandon Bass (2) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Center

Since his departure, there has been a Shaquille O’Neal sized hole in the Lakers lineup that the likes of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol or even Dwight Howard never had a shot at filling. The Lakers current conundrum at the center position is just that, a conundrum. When you add Byron Scott’s coaching to the mix, it becomes even more of a mystery.

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This offseason the Lakers went out and snagged two free agents who they thought would ease this pain in Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass, but they have left much to be desired, especially when you consider the amount of prominence the Lakers have showcased at the five spot.

Strangely enough, the Lakers seem to have the small ball center of the future in Tarik Black, but inexplicably continue to mismanage his minutes.

In regards to the deadline, similar to the Kobe situation, the Lakers best plan of action is to utilize addition by subtraction, attempting to rid themselves of Roy Hibbert in hopes of getting any draft asset back. This will not only bring in a pick, and probably an expiring contract, but it will clear the path for much needed Tarik Black minutes.

Further, though the Lakers one true prize this offseason will be Kevin Durant, the piece they can’t afford to strike out on again is Hassan Whiteside. A lineup of Russell-Clarkson-Brown-Nance Jr-Whiteside is intimidating by any standards. Whiteside might not be the dominant center the Lakers are used to having, but he could be the center of the future that they need.

Next: Addition by Subtraction

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