NBA Rumors: Lakers May End Up Getting Shot-Blocking Stalwart If Drummond Chase Fails

All eyes are on Andre Drummond of the Cleveland Cavaliers who is patiently waiting for his next stop.

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the chances of the Cavs getting something in return are diminishing by the day.

Hence, a buyout involving the All-Star center looms, and teams are waiting in the wings to swoop in.

Multiple teams have been linked to the 6-foot-10 cager, led by the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. Both are favorites with most expecting the two clubs to be this year’s NBA Finals protagonists.

Adding someone like Drummond can boost their chances. Hence, it would be best for either team to have a backup plan if they fail in their pursuit of the double-double machine.

For the Lakers, a player that makes sense is Hassan Whiteside. The 31-year-old center had his best years with the Miami Heat but has since struggled to blend in with other teams.

Currently signed to a one-year $2.32 million contract, there is no telling what the Kings plan to do with the 7-footer.

Whiteside’s numbers have fallen immensely compared to his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers last season. He is averaging only 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 14.6 minutes of action in 23 games for the Kings.

The two-time NBA blocks leader may be on the wrong team. But unless the Kings reveal their actual plans for Whiteside, all interested organizations can do is wait.

One of them will be the Lakers according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Aware that they may not be successful in their pursuit of Drummond, Whiteside is a plausible alternative.

There have been suggestions that the 2017 NBA rebounding leader is perfect for the Lakers if they can pull off something.

There is also no telling who the Lakers will prioritize. Aside from Drummond and Whiteside, JaVale McGee is also in the mix.

But getting the veteran big man back to Hollywood is a bit complicated. He needs to be traded first and then waived before the Lakers can consider re-signing him.

Hence, all the Lakers can do now is play the waiting game. They have options on the table as they try to take in the right personnel heading into the playoffs.