Lakers predicted to sign $15M extremely athletic former first-rounder to pair with Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers felt like they were very close to completing their offseason just last week after what has been an extremely interesting summer. The Lakers not only experienced significant roster turnover, but they also went through major organizational changes.

LA felt like it was going to land 23-year-old Jonathan Kuminga, and the move seemed inevitable.

"Jonathan Kuminga landing with the Los Angeles Lakers seems inevitable at this point. On Tuesday, it appeared Kuminga had three suitors remaining in his free-agent sweepstakes: the Minnesota Timberwolves , Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers," New York Post's Valentina Martinez wrote.

With the Lakers failing to sign Kuminga, they still have some major needs to address. Lake Show Life's Maxwell Ogden believes recently released Cam Whitmore would be a great addition to pair with Luka Doncic.

"As it stands, Whitmore has the catch-and-shoot proficiency to work off of Doncic and help the Lakers space the floor. He's also a bowling ball of a slasher whom defenders bounce off of as he makes his way to the rim and skies for highlight-reel finishes. If Redick can get Whitmore to buy in on defense, then Doncic's history of elevating his teammates' quality of play could be the up-and-comer's ticket to redemption," Ogden wrote.

Whitmore is a former first-round pick who simply has not panned out yet. However, he could be a strong fit with the Lakers. He was included in the Peyton Watson trade that sent him to Cleveland, but the Cavaliers ultimately waived him.

"The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived Cam Whitmore, league sources told hoopshype. Whitmore, the 20th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, has averaged 10.5 points on 45% from the field and 35% from 3-point range in 17.3 minutes during three NBA seasons with the Rockets and Wizards ," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto wrote.

It would be a fresh start for Whitmore, and at this point, he knows he is beginning to run out of opportunities. Playing in an offensive system alongside Austin Reaves and Doncic could allow him to expand his game and maximize his scoring ability.

Whitmore was on his $15 million rookie contract before being released. The Lakers adding Whitmore would be an interesting move, to say the least. The team already has plenty of shooting, but adding a young, athletic scorer with something to prove would not be a bad idea.