[BasketballGuru24Participant]

 As a die hard laker fan it’s been a rough few years for us, and free agency always seems to be the part of the year we enjoy the most. Rumor has it that the lakers will aggresively pursue hassan whiteside, but this move could hurt the franchises future.

Whiteside has emerged as one of the more dominant big men in the league. He is one of the top rebounders and shot blockers in the league. 2 glaring holes for the lakers. 

The lakers roster currently has some of the highest potential players in the league ( ala Russell, Ingram, Randle), and having the unpredictable Whiteside could really hur the development of their young guys. 

We’ve seen in the past Whiteside get into altercations with players on opposing teams and same team. The lakers lack leadership, and signing Whiteside to a max deal could be a very bad long term decision. Whiteside needed Pat riley and veterans wade, bosh, and johnson to keep in the check for much of the 2 seasons. I just find it hard Whiteside ( as the highest paid player on the lakers roster) would listen to a rookie coach and young players, and lets not forget nick young is still on this roster. 

I understand the attractive elements whiteside brings to the table, but the lakers shouldn’t rush to make an impulsive decision that could hurt the franchise in the long haul. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 I honestly don’t think that his addition can cause too much harm to be honest. He’s 27, he’ll probably be signed for four years, if it doesn’t work out it won’t be the worst thing in the world and 4 years $95 isn’t so bad given that state of the salary cap and by the time D-Russ and Ingram are due for an extension he’ll be coming off the books anyway. I don’t really think his attitude is so bad that it will poison the youngsters or anything like that. LA will probably have a hard enough time hitting the salary minimum that they could sign a couple other vets to provide leadership.

LA could really use a rim protector next to Randle and with Russell and Ingram at 2/3 center is probably the Lakers biggest need other than an elite PG. And they’ll still have the money to go after a player like Russell Westbrook next year. 

If they don’t get Whiteside, Biyombo would be nice pick up instead.

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

I don’t object to Whiteside as a player or as a personality. I’m more concerned that he needs the ball too much. He doesn’t pass and we’re talking about him going to the no-pass team. They were the worst at assists in the whole league, even when Kobe was out.

I actually like Biyombo instead. He’s a hard worker and a veteran of the league. Whiteside has less NBA experience. He can model hard work. I don’t think the Lakers should go after the best veterans because real winning is 3-4 years away… when Whiteside is declining. They should get model veterans, the hardest working ones.

On the negative side, I don’t see how they get a young, awesome center. I expect them to be the 6th worst team (or so) and to forfeit their pick. However, if they did get a top 3 guy, none of those guys are centers. An awesome, younger center like Whiteside is still hard to say no to.

[MopgrassParticipant]

I don’t object to Whiteside as a player or as a personality. I’m more concerned that he needs the ball too much. He doesn’t pass and we’re talking about him going to the no-pass team. They were the worst at assists in the whole league, even when Kobe was out.

I actually like Biyombo instead. He’s a hard worker and a veteran of the league. Whiteside has less NBA experience. He can model hard work. I don’t think the Lakers should go after the best veterans because real winning is 3-4 years away… when Whiteside is declining. They should get model veterans, the hardest working ones.

On the negative side, I don’t see how they get a young, awesome center. I expect them to be the 6th worst team (or so) and to forfeit their pick. However, if they did get a top 3 guy, none of those guys are centers. An awesome, younger center like Whiteside is still hard to say no to.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 I honestly don’t think that his addition can cause too much harm to be honest. He’s 27, he’ll probably be signed for four years, if it doesn’t work out it won’t be the worst thing in the world and 4 years $95 isn’t so bad given that state of the salary cap and by the time D-Russ and Ingram are due for an extension he’ll be coming off the books anyway. I don’t really think his attitude is so bad that it will poison the youngsters or anything like that. LA will probably have a hard enough time hitting the salary minimum that they could sign a couple other vets to provide leadership.

LA could really use a rim protector next to Randle and with Russell and Ingram at 2/3 center is probably the Lakers biggest need other than an elite PG. And they’ll still have the money to go after a player like Russell Westbrook next year. 

If they don’t get Whiteside, Biyombo would be nice pick up instead.

 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 If I’m the lakers I don’t really want Whiteside. With that young core he could be more trouble than help. But he would be a major upgrade. Has the tools to be dominant. I see the mavs landing him. Wouldn’t mind seeing him down in Portland either.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 If I’m the lakers I don’t really want Whiteside. With that young core he could be more trouble than help. But he would be a major upgrade. Has the tools to be dominant. I see the mavs landing him. Wouldn’t mind seeing him down in Portland either.

[jabbar_medvedenkoParticipant]

I really don’t get the whole point that ‘he would be a  distraction and would not help the kids develop’. 

First off, you won 17 games last season and have a chance to sign a top 5 center in the NBA, who just happens to excel in areas you need the most help with (rim protecting and pick and roll). He’s just entered his prime years and his team might not be able to throw a max at him, while all the top contenders are capped out. You’re not in a position to get picky.

You have a glaring hole at center and paid Roy Hibbert 15 million last year to start for you. You might have to do similar thing this year with Zaza Pachulia or Ian Mahinmi who was Hibbert’s backup. If you’re asking me if I want to pay 4 year, 50 million for a backup center or 4 year, 90 for an All-Star one with ~70 million available, I’m gonna do the latter. And even if you strike out, you still have a room for another max player this season and one next season. You can bring in another center if he doesn’t pan out (which he will).

And in the end, if there’s any concern about his attitude, I don’t care. Just bring back a guy who calls himself ‘World Peace’ with the last roster spot. He’ll keep him in check.

 

 

 

[jabbar_medvedenkoParticipant]

I really don’t get the whole point that ‘he would be a  distraction and would not help the kids develop’. 

First off, you won 17 games last season and have a chance to sign a top 5 center in the NBA, who just happens to excel in areas you need the most help with (rim protecting and pick and roll). He’s just entered his prime years and his team might not be able to throw a max at him, while all the top contenders are capped out. You’re not in a position to get picky.

You have a glaring hole at center and paid Roy Hibbert 15 million last year to start for you. You might have to do similar thing this year with Zaza Pachulia or Ian Mahinmi who was Hibbert’s backup. If you’re asking me if I want to pay 4 year, 50 million for a backup center or 4 year, 90 for an All-Star one with ~70 million available, I’m gonna do the latter. And even if you strike out, you still have a room for another max player this season and one next season. You can bring in another center if he doesn’t pan out (which he will).

And in the end, if there’s any concern about his attitude, I don’t care. Just bring back a guy who calls himself ‘World Peace’ with the last roster spot. He’ll keep him in check.

 

 

 

[220Participant]

BasketballGuru24, you make a good point. It’s certainly possible his addition could cause some problems. On top of that adding Hassan Whiteside doesn’t guarantee the Lakers improve enough to be a playoff team next season. Perhaps his presence could draw another big name to the Lakers though, but it’s hard to say that for sure.

 The Heat are known for being a somewhat rigidly structured organization, it’s also possible Whiteside might not produce as well in a different situation. He’s still clearly immature although he’s improving. If he’s serious about winning though then I doubt he heads to LA in free agency this year. Unless Miami somehow convinces Durant to join the team Miami will be offering Whiteside a max deal and Pat Riley is proven for putting winning teams together any way he can.

[220Participant]

BasketballGuru24, you make a good point. It’s certainly possible his addition could cause some problems. On top of that adding Hassan Whiteside doesn’t guarantee the Lakers improve enough to be a playoff team next season. Perhaps his presence could draw another big name to the Lakers though, but it’s hard to say that for sure.

 The Heat are known for being a somewhat rigidly structured organization, it’s also possible Whiteside might not produce as well in a different situation. He’s still clearly immature although he’s improving. If he’s serious about winning though then I doubt he heads to LA in free agency this year. Unless Miami somehow convinces Durant to join the team Miami will be offering Whiteside a max deal and Pat Riley is proven for putting winning teams together any way he can.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I agree with basically everything the OP said and seem to be in the minority in the pursuit of Whiteside. 

More than anything, what does it say about Whitesides intentions if he is even willing to come to a team like the Lakers.  They won’t be competing for a playoff spot for another 2 to 3 years… puting him at 30, give or take.  

With multiple offers at probably the max, a real competitor would all but rule out the Lakers for that reason alone.  If everything is equal financially.  Why pick the Lakers?  If he does, in my opinion it’s a bad sign.

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I agree with basically everything the OP said and seem to be in the minority in the pursuit of Whiteside. 

More than anything, what does it say about Whitesides intentions if he is even willing to come to a team like the Lakers.  They won’t be competing for a playoff spot for another 2 to 3 years… puting him at 30, give or take.  

With multiple offers at probably the max, a real competitor would all but rule out the Lakers for that reason alone.  If everything is equal financially.  Why pick the Lakers?  If he does, in my opinion it’s a bad sign.

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

I think he is being perceived as a guy with a bad attitude when from what I’ve seen he seems to be a great teammate. He is one of the hardest workers in the league and really fought for his position in the league. His competetiveness is through the roof and you can tell he plays to win and plays with a fire. Sooner or later someone’s gotta give this guy some respect.

Btw there is noway in hell he could be any worse than Nick Young.

[OhCanada-Participant]

I think he is being perceived as a guy with a bad attitude when from what I’ve seen he seems to be a great teammate. He is one of the hardest workers in the league and really fought for his position in the league. His competetiveness is through the roof and you can tell he plays to win and plays with a fire. Sooner or later someone’s gotta give this guy some respect.

Btw there is noway in hell he could be any worse than Nick Young.

[Kokayne_DawkinzParticipant]

 Why does it matter is Hassan takes the payday over winning right now? He been making close to the minimum since he’s been in the league. He deserves to be paid he’s worked so hard for it. He also seems to improve pretty fast. He became a good free throw shooter last year and someone who could hit a 15 footer consistently 

[Kokayne_DawkinzParticipant]

 Why does it matter is Hassan takes the payday over winning right now? He been making close to the minimum since he’s been in the league. He deserves to be paid he’s worked so hard for it. He also seems to improve pretty fast. He became a good free throw shooter last year and someone who could hit a 15 footer consistently 

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

 Whiteside is a young player that is more interested in Money than winning, Lakers should jump at the chance to get a good free agent, since most players want nothing to do with a team led by The Snitch. they will have to overpay, (Max Contract) but they can’t come out of free agency with out anything, again.

 

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

 Whiteside is a young player that is more interested in Money than winning, Lakers should jump at the chance to get a good free agent, since most players want nothing to do with a team led by The Snitch. they will have to overpay, (Max Contract) but they can’t come out of free agency with out anything, again.

 

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

the hype around Whitesides reminds me of the Hype that Roy Hibbert was getting a few years ago.

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

the hype around Whitesides reminds me of the Hype that Roy Hibbert was getting a few years ago.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 Hibbert’s breakthrough year was 2012. He averaged 12.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 2 BPG and 49.7 FG%. His PER was 19.3, his defensive win shares was 3.0 and his win shares per 48 min was .154.

Whiteside just averaged 14.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.7 BPG and 60.6 FG% in slightly less MPG and with a slightly lower usage rate. His PER was 25.7, his defensive win shares 5.3, and his win shares per 48 min was .233.

Hibbert also had conditioning issues and isn’t the most mobile of big men, which in the modern league is a big problem. While Whiteside is an atrocious passer, his athleticism is more suited for a modern day starting center.

I definitely think Whiteside is more deserving of hype, than Hibbert was 4 years ago. 

 

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 Hibbert’s breakthrough year was 2012. He averaged 12.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 2 BPG and 49.7 FG%. His PER was 19.3, his defensive win shares was 3.0 and his win shares per 48 min was .154.

Whiteside just averaged 14.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.7 BPG and 60.6 FG% in slightly less MPG and with a slightly lower usage rate. His PER was 25.7, his defensive win shares 5.3, and his win shares per 48 min was .233.

Hibbert also had conditioning issues and isn’t the most mobile of big men, which in the modern league is a big problem. While Whiteside is an atrocious passer, his athleticism is more suited for a modern day starting center.

I definitely think Whiteside is more deserving of hype, than Hibbert was 4 years ago. 

 

 

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