
The Los Angeles Lakers put on stellar efforts in the 2024-25 NBA season, which led them to the postseason. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves cut short the Lakers’ quest for a championship in round 1. Following this outcome, the franchise aims to enhance the roster. Recently, promising Houston Rockets forward has been linked as a potential target for the Lakers.
NBA insider Anthony Irwin reports that Rockets forward Cam Whitmore could be a target for the Lakers if the Rockets expand their trade for Kevin Durant to also include Dorian Finney-Smith.
“Another name league sources have linked to the Lakers: Cam Whitmore. If Houston decides to shed a little salary or if they expand the Kevin Durant trade to include their acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, Whitmore – who is looking for a larger role than he’d have on that loaded Rockets roster – is considered a candidate to be moved,” Irwin wrote in his recent reports.
Cam Whitmore has been linked to the Lakers in a potential sign-and-trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2025
“Another name league sources have linked to the Lakers: Cam Whitmore. If Houston decides to shed a little salary or if they expand the Kevin Durant trade to… pic.twitter.com/uIyaRangGD
The Lakers have recently become more active in the trade market to address their Center vacancy. To fill this gap, they have acquired a key player. Shams Charania recently reported that Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Lakers. Between his deal with Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season.
Houston Rockets Considering Trading Away Key Player

Recent reports have raised eyebrows regarding key players on the Rockets. According to NBA insider Danielle Lerner, the Rockets are expected to waive Jock Landale before his guarantee date on July 7. Additionally, the team may consider trading Cam Whitmore in exchange for non-player assets.
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“Whitmore’s situation is challenging because the former first-round pick still doesn’t have a clear path to significant playing time this season after averaging 17.4 minutes per game over the last two. Ideally, the Rockets would like to trade Whitmore to a team where he could play more and one that offers the best value return; because of the Rockets’ roster crunch, that would take the form of draft picks,” Via Danielle Lerner.
Houston is expected to waive Jock Landale before his July 7 guarantee date and could also trade Cam Whitmore in exchange for non-player assets, per @danielle_lerner
— SleeperRockets (@SleeperRockets) July 2, 2025
Getting “non-player assets” for Whitmore would be extremely disappointing, so hopefully that’s not the goal pic.twitter.com/cnFWy1VuD0
The Rockets showcased impressive performances throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. However, their dominance fell short in the round one playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.