NBA – A nugget coveted by the Lakers on the move? “Several teams have made enquiries”

Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif

According to the experts, this summer will be one of the craziest in NBA history, with several big trades expected. But beware, there should also be some bargains, including one nugget long coveted by Lakers fans.

To have a successful career in the NBA, you not only need talent, you also need a good dose of luck. Indeed, not all contexts are conducive to the development of young talent, which can have serious repercussions on their subsequent adventure in the league. A prospect who joins a team playing for the title will clearly not have the same place as one who joins a rebuilding franchise.

And Cam Whitmore hasn’t necessarily been spoiled in this respect. Selected by the Rockets with the 20th pick in the 2023 Draft, he never managed to win the confidence of Ime Udoka, a coach who always favors defense and aggressiveness. While he was coveted by Lakers fans and many other franchises, he could well be on his way out this summer.

A nugget on the way out for Houston?

Because he has shown some nice things in certain sequences, the winger remains highly rated by managers, and several have already picked up the phone to inquire about Houston. Nothing is certain at this stage of the off-season, but it could be a very good deal for a franchise in search of young talent. Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports:

Several teams have inquired about Rockets winger Cam Whitmore, who is only partially used. Since arriving in the league, Whitmore has struggled to establish himself in Ime Udoka’s tight rotation, and has let his frustration show on several occasions at the end of the bench. There’s still optimism in the franchise about a potential role in the rotation and his potential.

The Rockets are in a complicated situation. They just finished second in the Western Conference, but were defeated by the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. So they could be on the lookout for a veteran who can help them turn that corner right away. Kevin Durant’s name is being bandied about, and he could be a good bargaining chip. Fans still believe in him.

@DKNetwork : When Cam Whitmore gets a real shot at consistent minutes… watch out 👀

@_LakeShow23 : Lakers could have really used him too.

@SteadtlerA58435 : Rocket’s FO will hate themselves in a few years for neglecting Cam while believing in Jalen Green.