Report: Lakers targeting Heat C Hassan Whiteside in free agency

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to target Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside in the upcoming free agency period.

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The Los Angeles Lakers plan to target Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside in the upcoming free agency period, according to ESPN.

The Lakers still have Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant as their top priority this offseason, but are interested in the defensive presence of Whiteside.

Whiteside averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and a league-high 3.7 blocks during the 2015–16 regular season.

Los Angeles will have to compete with the Heat and Dallas Mavericks to sign Whiteside. Heat president Pat Riley made it clear after the season that he wants Whiteside back.

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“More than likely, players out there in free agency, our No. 1 priority is Hassan Whiteside,” Riley said.

Whiteside is expected to earn a maximum contract in the $22 million range.