The Los Angeles Lakers plan to aggressively pursue Miami Heat center Hassan
Whiteside when NBA free agency starts, according to league sources.
With rim protection and perimeter shooting ranking as the Lakers' foremost areas
of concern heading into the open market, sources told ESPN.com that Whiteside
has emerged as a priority target for L.A.
The Lakers, like the Heat, are still hopeful of securing a face-to-face recruiting
meeting with Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant once free agency season
commences at 12:01 a.m. on July 1. But the Lakers, sources say, are highly
intrigued by Whiteside and what he could bring them as a double-double presence
inside.
ESPN.com reported earlier this week that the Dallas Mavericks also intend to be
a serious suitor for Whiteside, with Dallas expected to land one of the first
recruiting meetings Whiteside conducts in the opening hours of free agency. The
Portland Trail Blazers are another team that has been linked with Whiteside, and
there will surely be others.
After averaging 14.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and a league-leading 3.7 blocks per
game last season, Whiteside is expected to command a maximum contract this
season, with a first-season salary forecasted to be in the $22 million range.
"More than likely, players out there in free agency, our No. 1 priority is Hassan
Whiteside," Heat president Pat Riley told reporters after the season. "He's 26
years old. He's a game-changer."
ESPN.com also reported this week that that Lakers, Orlando Magic and Detroit
Pistons are among the teams expected to pursue Atlanta Hawks free agent-to-be
Al Horford.
Longtime Heat star Dwyane Wade will also be a free agent and is expected to
stay with the only team he's ever played for.
The Heat have only early Bird rights on Whiteside, meaning they must use cap
space to sign him for more than a league average salary and cannot offer a
fifth year on his deal. A maximum contract for Whiteside would be a projected
$94.8 million over four years.