The Los Angeles Lakers have cleared a roster spot with their recent decision to waive veteran guard Quinn Cook. The defending champs might be looking for some added depth for their frontcourt, and according to a report, Hassan Whiteside of the Sacramento Kings might be on their radar.

This report comes via Dan Woike and Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times:

Sacramento center Hassan Whiteside, who is averaging 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots in 14-1/2 minutes per game, is a possible target the team could pursue.

After a resurgent season with the Portland Trail Blazers last term, Whiteside signed with the Kings in the offseason. He's played nothing more than a reserve role in Sacramento, though, falling in the pecking order behind starting big man Richaun Holmes.

For their part, the Lakers appear to be in need of some height for their second unit. The offseason departures of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee were remedied by the additions of Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell, which at this point, do not seem to be enough. Gasol is a shadow of his former All-Star self, and in spite of the energy he brings off the bench, Harrell is an undersized big at just 6-foot-7.

Whiteside is in contract with the Kings until the end of the season so unless Sacramento intends to waive him (which is unlikely), the Lakers will need to come up with an enticing trade package to lure the 7-foot center away from the Kings.