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NBA Rumors: JaVale McGee and Hassan Whiteside on Lakers’ list of buyout targets

By Steven Kubitza

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 27: JaVale McGee #6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 27: JaVale McGee #6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Lakers reportedly could consider targeting JaVale McGee or Hassan Whiteside if the big men become available via buyouts.

The Los Angeles Lakers remain without Anthony Davis as the All-Star break begins this week. He is expected back within a month, but the Lakers could still use some extra help down low during the second half of the season and for the postseason.

This turns the focus to players who could receive buyouts and hit the open market to join a contending team. Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times has linked the Lakers to both Hassan Whiteside and JaVale McGee.

JaVale McGee and Hassan Whiteside on the Lakers’ radar

McGee is the more difficult option for the Lakers. That is because they traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers this past offseason. So the only way they can sign him is if the Cavaliers trade him to another team and that team either cuts him or sends him to Los Angeles.

If that can indeed get done McGee stands out as a great fit. He just won a title with the Lakers last October and is serving as a reliable veteran presence with the Cavaliers this season. The veteran center is averaging 7.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in limited action.

Whiteside is an easier target, given he does receive a buyout from the Sacramento Kings. The former defensive force is barely getting on the floor with the Kings and could get a fresh start with the Lakers. There is no reason why someone with Whiteside’s background should be getting limited playing time on a 14-21 Kings team.

DeMarcus Cousins is a big name some Lakers fans may prefer at this point. But players like McGee and Whiteside may serve as better fits in a reserve role behind Davis once he returns.

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