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Los Angeles Lakers: A deadline trade for a center is in play

By Jason Reed

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets has his shot blocked by Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on November 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets has his shot blocked by Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on November 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside certainly has an interesting personality. And while Pat Riley has stated that the Miami Heat are not shopping Whiteside, it may be his personality that eventually drives him out of Miami by mid-season.

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At that point in time, Whiteside will have a year and a half left on his contract with a player option prior to next year. With the writing on the wall of his departure, the Heat may look to trade Whiteside purely to get something out of the talented center.

This is why he is an intriguing option for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers can get him for a much smaller price than the other available centers as well as get rid of Luol Deng. Of course, this is a perfect world scenario, but it is more than likely with Whiteside’s past on the Heat.

The Lakers should be cautious with bringing in Whiteside, who could potentially butt heads with people in the locker room. However, the Lakers have had no problem bringing in dynamic personalities this offseason, so I do not see that standing in the team’s way.

What makes Whiteside a good fit around LeBron is that he does not need to be a huge scoring presence and does not always need the basketball. He will be a huge help on the glass and as a rim protector, a role that LeBron needs around him to thrive.

He will get his 15 or so points a night off of second chances, in transition and in designed plays on the block. Not only will he fit this role in Los Angeles perfectly, he is one of the most interesting guys to bring in around LeBron.

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Just imagine him catching lobs in a fast-paced offense from LeBron and Lonzo Ball. That sounds like a great time.

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