Hassan Whiteside and Dwight Howard (Photo : Getty Images/Scott Haleran)
Incoming free-agent center Hassan Whiteside is apparently unaware of the huge interest the Los Angeles Lakers have in him. In an interview with Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman, the 7-foot Whiteside seemed to be surprised to hear the team that cut him two seasons ago is one of the teams expected to make a run at him this offseason.
Whiteside believed the Lakers know what he can bring to the table, having worked out in front of the Lakers' front office, including head coach Byron Scott, before the 2014-15 season.
"I worked out for the Lakers before I worked out with the Heat," Whiteside said. "So, I mean, they've seen it. They had a chance to see what I could do. I know Byron Scott was there and a couple of other front-office guys."
Whiteside, arguably the best defensive center available this summer, is averaging 14.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game this season for the Heat. The 26-year old big man dropped 18 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks in a 102-100 loss to the Lakers at Staples Center.
-The Lakers are disappointed with rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell and the distraction he brought after a recorded conversation containing Nick Young's confession of cheating with his fiancé Iggy Azalea got leaked.
According to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report, Lakers executives with Russell's action, but not to the point of trading the no.2 overall pick of the 2015 Draft.
"The columnist [Ding] adds that many in the Lakers' front office are angry at Russell for bringing this distraction to the team and are worried that it may turn off potential free agent targets. However, the Lakers recognize Russell's unique talents and aren't likely to deal him away over a misguided prank," via Hoops Rumors.
-Ding noted that some members of the Lakers front office are worried the controversy created by Russell would 'obstruct' their effort to acquire big name free-agents this summer, although an NBA executive told Sporting News that the drama is too overblown.
