The Los Angeles Lakers felt like they had their offseason all wrapped up last week, banking on 23-year-old Jonathan Kuminga making the move to LA. But hold up, that deal didn’t happen, even though New York Post’s Valentina Martinez wrote that Kuminga landing with the Lakers seemed “inevitable” just Tuesday, with only the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers left in the sweepstakes. Now, with Kuminga off the board, the Lakers are still hunting for talent and have reportedly zeroed in on another intriguing name: Cam Whitmore.
Kuminga Fallout And The Next Target
Yeah, the Kuminga dream didn’t pan out for LA, leaving some serious holes for them to fill. But Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden is already looking ahead, believing recently released Cam Whitmore would be a fantastic addition to pair up with Luka Doncic. And honestly, Ogden makes a pretty strong case for it. Whitmore, as Ogden sees it, has that sweet catch-and-shoot proficiency to work off Doncic and help space the floor, which is huge. Plus, he’s a “bowling ball of a slasher” who just shrugs off defenders on his way to the rim for those highlight-reel finishes. The potential is there, especially if new coach Redick can get Whitmore to “buy in on defense.” If that happens, with Doncic’s history of elevating his teammates, Whitmore’s ticket to redemption could be punched.
Whitmore’s Rocky Road To A Fresh Start
Let’s be real, Whitmore, a former first-round pick, hasn’t quite panned out yet. He was caught up in the Peyton Watson trade that sent him to Cleveland, but the Cavaliers ultimately waived him. Ouch. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto confirmed the news, noting that Whitmore, the 20th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, averaged 10.5 points on 45% from the field and 35% from 3-point range in 17.3 minutes over three NBA seasons with the Rockets and Wizards. So, the talent is absolutely there, but the consistency and fit just haven’t clicked. He was on his $15 million rookie contract before being released, so he’s not exactly cheap but also clearly got high upside.
This is a fresh start for Whitmore, and let’s be real, he’s gotta know the clock’s ticking on opportunities. Landing with LA, especially in an offensive system with Austin Reaves and Doncic, could be his shot to really expand his game and maximize that scoring ability. The Lakers already got shooting, but adding a young, athletic scorer with something to prove, who was just on a $15 million rookie deal? Yeah, that’s an interesting move, to say the least. It could totally shake things up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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