Lakers Rumors: Trade Packages that would Land Los Angeles a Superstar

Honestly, this deal does not make that much sense and would only occur if the Heat were desperate for a rebuild and wanted to free some contract space. Deng makes about $5 million less than Whiteside, and, the Heat would get another draft pick for 2018. This deal is arguably is the best for the Lakers, as they are giving nothing and receiving a dominant big man.

For what it is worth, the Lakers were rumored in being interested in Whiteside, so we could see a deal between Los Angeles and Miami to send the big man to LA. However, a real life deal would likely include Ivica Zubac, something much more manageable for the Heat as they would receive a big man in return.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again – the Lakers need a dominant big man to win games and that is evident if you look at every successful Lakers team, ever. Whiteside provides the Lakers just that, averaging 16.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. The great part about Whiteside as well is he is also young, allowing the Lakers to further develop together.

Lakers fans undoubtedly love this deal as the cost to return ratio is minimal, the Lakers are giving up a bench player and a potentially good pick for an all-star caliber center. Plus, with the addition of Whiteside, the Lakers may improve and only have a very high lottery pick, which is definitely the steps the organization wants to take.