Hassan Whiteside (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The LA Lakers is often projected as the team that most players want to play for because of the big market and the prestige.
After three seasons of mediocrity, the franchise continues to be a draw for the audience but for better or worse, most players seem more concerned about winning a title than the city they're playing with.
However, there are some factors that do matter. Money talks, as always and even with the rise of the salary cap which will give as many as 24 teams able to offer max contracts, bring in a big market can still offer some perks.
The positions of need are at center and small forward. With the Lakers unlikely to become a contender, title conscious free agents are unlikely to consider. That would make Kevin Durant a remote possibility.
Because of their Early Bird Rights and the team's salary cap situation, Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat remains a possibility. While Pat Riley is determined to keep Whiteside, he would be hard-pressed to do so as Hoops Rumors illustrated.
"Whiteside is likely to command a deal at or near his maximum-salary of an estimated $21.7MM," Chuck Myron of HH wrote. "The Heat face a stiff challenge if they're to re-sign the foursome of Whiteside, Wade, Deng and Joe Johnson, another key contributor who's hitting free agency this year."
Even if they prioritize Whiteside over Deng and Johnson, the Heat would come short unless they can get Wade on a discount, which is unlikely. Add the uncertainty of Chris Bosh's situation and Whiteside would choose to go elsewhere. The Lakers would go all in for Whiteside and showcase him as the next great Lakers center.
Andre Drummond is a restricted free agent and the Pistons have declared that they will offer him the max, no hesitation so he's unlikely to leave. Joakim Noah is one player that could act as the "big brother "for the Lakers, not to mention bring on the intensity. He could be an option if they somehow miss out on Whiteside.
Small forward is a more challenging position. The best name is Harrison Barnes who has yet to play out his potential because of the luxury of talent in Golden State. He is restricted so the Warriors can match any offer for him, but there are implications in 2017 and other players they might prioritize.
In light of Curry's absence, a player like Shaun Livingston could get extended minutes. They might let Barnes walk if a max contract is thrown his way. The Lakers have already shown interest, as stated in this Sporting News article.
An easier target is Kent Bazemore of the Atlanta Hawks. He is in the same situation with Whiteside with the Early Bird Rights and returning to the West Coast is a welcome prospect for him.
Getting Whiteside and Bazemore would be less than ideal, but it would be a more plausible goal.
