Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside. (Photo : Getty Images)
Roughly a week before the free-agency season commences, the Los Angeles Lakers are already liked to several talents expected to be available in the free-agency market starting July 1. However, the names that usually stand the most are All-Star Al Horford, defensive powerhouse Hassan Whiteside and outside gunner Ryan Anderson.
Here are the latest free-agency rumblings involving the Lakers:
Al Horford - According to multiple sources, the Lakers are one of at least eight teams pursuing the All-Star big man in free-agency. Luke Walton, who had an outstanding stint as Steve Kerr's top assistant in Golden State, is reportedly high on Horford because of his versatility.
The new Lakers coach believes Horford has the skills set to emulate the role of Draymond Green in a small but deadly offensive scheme.
The former Florida Gators played in all 82 games with the Hawks last season, averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting over 50 percent (53%) from the field.
Hassan Whiteside - Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Lakers will 'aggressively' pursue Hassan Whiteside in free-agency. The Lakers are one of at least four teams (Heat, Mavs, and Knicks) linked to the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.
The 27-year old Whiteside averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game last season. While his focus remains an issue, the rarity of defensive dominant center in the market makes Whiteside a hot commodity.
Ryan Anderson - The Lakers become the latest team to express interest in signing the lanky sweet-shooter (per Steve Kyler of Basketball Insider). Anderson, who shot 36 percent from 3-point area last season, is getting interest from the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and three more team.
With Walton running the show, the Lakers will be running a system that needs a lot of three-point shooter / floor-spacer to make it work. Apparently, Anderson is one of the best in the business and will be a very hot item in the market this July.
