Hassan Whiteside (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The LA Lakers had their rude awakening early in the offseason as two of their targets (both predicted to choose them) have crossed them off their list.
Kevin Durant, as reported here will not include the Lakers in his scheduled meetings. He has chosen six teams so far: OKC Thunder, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and also the LA Clippers, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
It's a big blow for the Lakers but they still don't have much to offer KD aside from their young core. The recent free agency buzz doesn't help their case, as Tim McMahon of ESPN reports that DeRozan has also crossed them-and every US-based team out.
"Source: DeMar DeRozan will focus on getting a deal done to return to the Raptors as free agency opens. No plans to meet with other teams barring the unforeseen development of talks breaking down the Toronto."
This should not be a surprise if we keep track with statements only from DeRozan. He has never wavered and the talk about LA never came from him. It may seem interesting that Stephen A. Smith of ESPN First Take predicted that both Durant and DeRozan are will sign with the Lakers.
It may not also be a surprise for LA, as they probably have reached the conclusion on DeRozan when they mentioned that "they were not really that keen on pursuing him."
The Lakers still has a chance with restricted free agent Harrison Barnes who may have played his way out of Golden State. With the Warriors' pursuit of Kevin Durant, Barnes is most likely to be released.
But the Lakers have another target in mind. Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat may be another casualty of a team chasing Kevin Durant and the Lakers, according to a separate ESPN report from Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne, are "intrigued."
With rim protection and perimeter shooting ranking as the Lakers' foremost areas of concern heading into the open market, sources told ESPN.com that Whiteside has emerged as a priority target for L.A.," the report stated. "The Lakers, sources say, are highly intrigued by Whiteside and what he could bring them as a double-double presence inside."
It's not a loss for LA since Brandon Ingram can provide the shooting that the team needs while Whiteside handles the rim protection. However, the Lakers need to act fast, as they have their rivals like the Dallas Mavericks and even the Golden State Warriors.
