The Los Angeles Lakers have a busy upcoming offseason this year as they work to build their post-Kobe Bryant era.
Though they have young prospects D'Angelo Russell, Jodran Clarkson and Julius Randle, the team could significantly improve if they are able to sign a key free agent this season. According to hoopshype.com, multiple free agents such as Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Hassan Whiteside will be available next offseason.
Lebron James will certainly re-sign with the Cavs while Kevin Durant has made it clear that he does not want to be courted during this season which indicates he will most likely stay with the OKC Thunder. As per sbnation.com, Durant commented on how the Wizards has been handling their free agency pursuit of the former Most Valuable Player.
"[It] was kind of disrespectful, in my opinion, because you've got a great team there already that deserves your full 100% support," Durant said. "I wouldn't like that if I was on that team. I didn't like that, but it comes with it nowadays.
"Me, I feel, is you should focus on who you have on your team," Durant said. "It's easy to get your hopes up and expect a guy to come to your team or whatever - and I'm not talking about myself, I'm just talking about free agency in the past years and in the future - you get your hopes up as a fan, and then they let you down and you end up not liking the player. There's a little bit too much emphasis on that type of stuff, but it's part of the game."
Given this, sources say the Lakers have set their eyes on big man Hassan Whiteside and rumors have indicated that the feeling is mutual. As si.com stated, "Part of the rationale surrounding a Whiteside trade is that he is set to become an unrestricted free agent and the Heat do not hold his Bird rights, so they will not be able to go over the salary cap to retain him."
Though Whiteside is known to be loyal to the Heat, this contract situation could lead to him moving to a new team in the offseason. The Lakers are highly rumored to be his primary destination.
