Los Angeles Lakers: Comparing Hassan Whiteside and DeMarcus Cousins

The speculation has been increasing around the Los Angeles Lakers as Rob Pelinka gears up to make some additions to the roster. The Lakers, losers of four of their last five without Anthony Davis, understand that if you are not getting better in this league then you are comparatively getting worse.

The Lakers made the first move to indicate that they are going to be active this season by waiving point guard Quinn Cook before his contract became fully guaranteed on February 27. This not only freed up some money for the Lakers, but freed up a roster spot as well.

The initial speculation was that the Lakers would bring back DeMarcus Cousins, who was recently released by the Houston Rockets. However, Dan Woike and Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers were unlikely to pursue Cousins for a reunion.

A new name at the center position has since emerged: Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside was mentioned as a potential target for the Lakers if he gets bought out by the Sacramento Kings in that same report. Whiteside absolutely is a buyout candidate as he signed a one-year deal with the Kings prior to the season and is not receiving that much playing time.

The Los Angeles Lakers seem to like Hassan Whiteside more than DeMarcus Cousins, but why?

DeMarcus Cousins is the bigger name and was one that Laker fans were clamoring for before the report of him not being a top target was released. Would he actually be a better option than Hassan Whiteside, though?

To determine the answer to that question, we thought it would be best to compare the two players, break down who has an advantage in what area and compare that to what the Lakers need to come to a conclusion.

Let’s get into it.