Lakers Trade ‘Contingency Plan’ Reportedly Involves Double-Double Machine

The Los Angeles Lakers are probably working on the perfect trade plan. Several reports have linked the Lakers to Andre Drummond and P.J. Tucker. Chris Haynes from Yahoo Sports says the Lakers should go after Drummond if he gets a buyout from the Cavaliers. However, Kings center Hassan Whiteside is the team’s backup plan if Cavs veteran signs with another team.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are monitoring the developments of the Sacramento Kings’ seldom-used rim protector, league sources told Yahoo Sports,” Haynes detailed. “If the defending champs strike out on landing Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, then Whiteside would be a nice contingency plan.

Lakers work on a potential trade plan

Whiteside had six straight seasons with a double-double. He is averaging 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game and saw action in 23 appearances. He is one season removed from stacking 15.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks as the Blazers starting center.

Drummond has a $28 million salary and the Lakers won’t be able to get him through a trade. The Los Angeles Times reported that NBA execs linked LA to Whiteside, Drummond and JaVale McGee.

“Rival scouts and executives believe the Lakers are looking for upgrades in their frontcourt,” the Los Angeles Times detailed. “Obviously, Cleveland’s Andre Drummond would be high on their wish list if bought out. Rival executives have wondered if the Lakers could either try to add Sacramento’s Hassan Whiteside or maybe even reunite with JaVale McGee if the former Laker gets bought out and becomes a free agent.”

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is pretty vocal around the trade deadline. He shared a different strategy and is pretty confident in the current roster.

“I’m not in the mindframe as far as what needs to happen as far as our roster,” he said. “For us, what needs to happen is we want to play better basketball with the group that we got. I believe in every guy in our locker room & every guy that hits the floor.”

Well, Pelinka will have to make some decisions in the next few weeks.