<p>Over the past few months, rumors have circulated that the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.inquisitr.com/6485071/nba-rumors-la-lakers-should-trade-for-javale-mcgee-victor-oladip">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are planning to add another big man to their roster. Though they signed Marc Gasol in the 2020 free agency period, the Spanish center has failed to live up to expectations and was unable to fill the huge hole left by JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard in their frontcourt.</p><p>As of now, the Lakers are emerging as one of the top suitors for veteran center Andre Drummond if he and the Cleveland Cavaliers agree to a contract buyout, according to Shams Charania of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://theathletic.com/2450600/"><i>The Athletic</i></a>.</p>
Lakers Badly Want To Address Frontcourt Issue
<p>However, before letting him join another team as a free agent, the Cavaliers are still hoping that they could find a trade partner for Drummond before the March 25 deadline. Even if they really end up buying out his contract, it is not fully assured that Drummond would be joining the Purple and Gold.</p><p>Luckily, the Lakers apparently have a Plan B in case they fail to acquire Drummond on the buyout market. In the event that the Cavaliers successfully trade Drummond or the veteran big man chooses another team as a free agent, the Lakers will likely move on to their next target.</p>
Hassan Whiteside As Lakers’ ‘Contingency Plan’
<p>According to Chris Haynes of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/hoopla-with-haynes-javale-mcgee-getting-interest-from-nets-lakers-watching-hassan-whiteside-172950468.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAN0hy58C4HYXWfek1xz0JHbo5okryd0IN3lo_D2tvnMMM1e8bm9C6CKLlXfn20mT5PPyDL_dOa5g8ycuwXP1B1Sh-A9w3aCDTvdJFlnRMOHP7m26HeGLwItbwjBlL1endo4sZ6XfVRvX0TbxE_3Mk6NfT80BGp5q7r1TPVCJjHls"><i>Yahoo Sports</i></a>, Sacramento Kings backup center <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.inquisitr.com/6484735/nba-rumors-lakers-could-get-hassan-whiteside-for-two-reserves-fu">Hassan Whiteside</a> would be the Lakers’ "contingency plan" if they strike out on their pursuit of Drummond.</p><p>"The Los Angeles Lakers are monitoring the developments of the Sacramento Kings’ seldom-used rim protector, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Haynes wrote. "If the defending champs strike out on landing Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, then Whiteside would be a nice contingency plan."</p><p>Much like in Drummond’s case, there’s also a possibility that Whiteside will soon become available on the buyout market. Even if the Kings decide to trade him, the Lakers wouldn’t have to give up precious assets to bring him to Los Angeles this season.</p>
Lakers Add A Potential Double-Double Machine
<p>Whiteside would likely be an incredible addition to the Lakers. When he’s 100 percent healthy, he’s arguably capable of filling the huge hole left by McGee and Howard in the Lakers’ frontcourt. He would give them a very reliable scoring option under the basket, a great rebounder, and a quality rim protector.</p><p>This season, Whiteside is averaging 8.3 rebounds,5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 58 percent from the field, per <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tv5.espn.com/nba/player/stats//id/4262/hassan-whiteside"><i>ESPN</i></a>. Whiteside’s numbers may not be as good as Drummond’s but when he’s given enough playing time, he could also turn into a double-double machine.</p>
Joining Purple And Gold Makes A Lot Of Sense For Hassan Whiteside
<p>It might not be a surprise if the Lakers really go after Whiteside. They have long been interested in adding him to their roster. However, the Lakers aren’t the only ones that are expected to benefit from bringing him to Los Angeles, but also Whiteside himself.</p><p>Unlike in Sacramento, taking his talent to Los Angeles could give him the opportunity to prove to everyone in the league that he still has plenty of gas left in his tank. This might help him land a decent contract when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Also, by teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers, Whiteside would have a realistic chance of winning his first championship ring this year.</p>
