Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 must-sign free agents after Russell Westbrook trade

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena on May 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena on May 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Hassan Whiteside

The Los Angeles Lakers need defensive depth and they absolutely need shooting but they still need to add another big to the roster. While Anthony Davis is going to have to close games as the center just to avoid spacing nightmares with Russell Westbrook, the team is still going to need another big to help relieve some of the pressure from AD.

It is clear that getting Westbrook is not only meant to raise the ceiling of the team but make things easier for LeBron James in the playoffs. Say what you will about the problems that could happen in the playoffs (they are real) this does make the team better in the regular season and takes a load off of LeBron.

It would make no sense then for the Lakers to only run one real center in Marc Gasol and ask Anthony Davis to play 38 minutes per game as he juggles two positions. The team needs to sign a cheap rim-protecting center that can get them 15-20 minutes in the regular season and that option is Hassan Whiteside.

Look, is he going to be a hugely impactful player in the playoffs? Probably not. He will probably be benched like Andre Drummond and be used lightly like the bigs were in 2020. However, he still makes things easier in the regular season and adds much-needed depth to the center position.

When it comes to a rebounding/rim-protecting big that can catch lobs there is no better option than Hassan Whiteside. He is already worth a minimum contract in the league and did not increase that value last season.

Home/Lakers Free Agency