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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players to target from the West’s worst teams

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 16: Jordan McLaughlin #6 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of the game at Target Center on February 16, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 112-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 16: Jordan McLaughlin #6 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of the game at Target Center on February 16, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 112-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

2. Hassan Whiteside

The Los Angeles Lakers get the backup center that they need

Contract: 1 year / $2,320,044 contract with the Sacramento Kings, including $2,320,044 guaranteed

In a recent article I wrote for Lake Show Life, I mentioned Hassan Whiteside as the #1 guy I wanted to acquire at the center position.

My feelings about Whiteside haven’t changed, but it’s worth mentioning that he’s been repeatedly linked to the Lakers since I originally wrote about him. Often in the NBA, when there’s smoke surrounding a potential move, there’s fire.

Even in games that starter Richuan Holmes has been unable to play, Sacramento has refused to give Whiteside big minutes. Nevertheless, he’s remained incredibly productive on a per-minute basis, even putting up a 26 point/15 rebound performance in 23 minutes of court-time against Brooklyn.

Whiteside isn’t playing at the same level on defense as he was last season, but he’s still amongst the best rim protectors in the league and grades in the 92nd percentile for Defensive LEBRON.

Anthony Davis isn’t returning for the foreseeable future, and Marc Gasol is out for at least the next two games due to the league’s health and safety protocols. Even if Gasol’s absence is short, he isn’t playing at the same level as last year.

That leaves the Lakers with only two active centers: the fearless but undersized Montrezl Harrell and the recently acquired but very underwhelming Damian Jones.

Like Gasol, Whiteside is currently out due to health and safety protocols, so it’s possible that by the time he returns, the team will have three active centers.

However, Jones’ signing doesn’t change the sentiments expressed in my February article: the team still desperately needs a quality rim-protector as a matchup option for the Nikola Jokic’s of the world. Whiteside presents the best value-for-money player that meets that need.

With each passing game, it’s more apparent that Whiteside won’t be a King for long. Considering his cheap contract, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team eventually bought him out. At worst, he’ll cost next to nothing in a trade, and at best, the Lakers will have the opportunity to sign him without giving up any assets.

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