Lakers Make a Splash with Deandre Ayton — But They’re Not Done Yet!

Hold onto your purple and gold, Lakers Nation — things just got real in Los Angeles.

After what felt like a slow, quiet start to NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers finally shook things up and reminded everyone why you never count them out. They waited, watched, and pounced at just the right moment. And their reward? A massive addition in former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.

Yep. The same Ayton who once helped the Phoenix Suns make their Finals run is now rocking the purple and gold. It all happened after he cleared waivers following a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers moved swiftly, with general manager Rob Pelinka making the bold decision to snag him — and fans are here for it.

But here’s the kicker — the Lakers aren’t done.

🚨 Ayton Joins the Lakers: What It Means

Let’s talk about the impact of landing Deandre Ayton.

• Size & Athleticism: The Lakers just added a 7-footer who can run the floor, protect the rim, and finish strong around the basket.

• Fresh Start Energy: Ayton’s time in Portland was short-lived. His inconsistent run in Phoenix was well-documented. But in LA, he has a shot to rewrite his narrative and prove he can be a dominant center in this league.

• Frontcourt Flexibility: With Anthony Davis often sliding over to the 4, having Ayton as a full-time 5 could be a blessing in disguise for the Lakers’ rotation.

But don’t let the glitz of this blockbuster fool you — the Lakers still have some real holes to patch.

🔍 The Perimeter Problem

One glaring issue that remains? Perimeter defense.

The Lakers were often exposed last season when it came to stopping elite guards and wings. If they want to seriously contend in the loaded Western Conference, they’ll need more than just Ayton in the middle. They need guys who can chase shooters, fight through screens, and lock down the wings.

That’s where things get interesting.

👀 Keep an Eye on This Name: Cam Whitmore

According to a report from Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, Cam Whitmore is a name that’s being linked to the Lakers in trade rumors. And honestly? It makes a ton of sense.

"Another name league sources have linked to the Lakers: Cam Whitmore,” Irwin wrote. “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."

The Rockets are loaded at the wing — and Whitmore has quietly been stuck on the outside looking in.

🔄 Could a Sign-and-Trade Be Brewing?

Dorian Finney-Smith recently signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets. His defensive prowess was something the Lakers really valued, so the move stung just a bit. However, the deal might not be the end of that story.

Some insiders are speculating that a sign-and-trade could still be on the table. It’s unclear what kind of player the Rockets would want in return, but the idea of getting Cam Whitmore — who’s young, athletic, and hungry for minutes — is certainly attractive for LA.

Whitmore has been on Houston’s trade radar for a while. It’s not that he isn’t talented — it’s just that the Rockets are drowning in wings right now, and there simply hasn’t been space for him to grow.

📊 A Quick Look at Cam Whitmore’s 2024-25 Stats

In his rookie campaign with Houston, Whitmore played 51 games and started only 3 of them. But when you dig into the numbers, there’s a lot to like:

• Points per game: 9.4

• Rebounds: 3.0

• Assists: 1.0

• Field Goal %: 44.4%

• Three-Point %: 35.5%

That’s solid production for a 20-year-old still learning the NBA game — and doing it without consistent minutes. On a team like the Lakers, he could thrive with more structure, more guidance, and more opportunity.

📣 Why Cam Whitmore Fits the Lakers' Timeline

Cam Whitmore checks a lot of boxes:

✅ Youth – At just 20, he brings fresh legs and a potential future star ceiling.
✅ Affordability – He’s still on his rookie contract, which helps with LA’s cap gymnastics.
✅ Athleticism – Explosive in transition, fearless slasher, and has the tools to become a good defender.
✅ Low-Risk, High-Reward – If he doesn’t pan out, the cost is minimal. But if he hits? The Lakers might land a gem.

Even more exciting? He could evolve into a long-term piece to support LeBron’s eventual successor — whether that’s AD or someone like Luka Doncic (if the Lakers dare to dream big in future trade windows).

💬 What the Fans Are Saying

Lakers Twitter (or X, for the rebranded folks) is buzzing.

Many fans see Ayton’s arrival as the move that finally gives LA a legitimate starting 5. Others are cautiously optimistic, wondering how Ayton will mesh with AD and LeBron. And then there’s the Cam Whitmore crowd — fans already mocking up jersey swaps, hoping the Lakers don’t wait too long to pounce.

🧩 Still a Few Missing Pieces

Look, let’s be real — landing Ayton was a win, no doubt. But this is Los Angeles. Titles are the standard. The West is brutal. Denver isn’t going anywhere. The Thunder are rising. Phoenix still has KD and Booker. And let’s not forget about the Warriors, who — love them or hate them — always find a way.

For the Lakers to really go all-in, they’ll need:

• A lockdown perimeter defender

• More consistent three-point shooting

• Bench depth, especially on the wing

Cam Whitmore solves two of those issues right away. And who knows? Maybe Rob Pelinka isn’t done cooking yet.

🏁 Final Thoughts: The Window Is Now

LeBron James isn’t getting any younger. Anthony Davis needs a load-managed, balanced roster to stay healthy. The time to capitalize is right now.

• Adding Deandre Ayton? Big W.

• Targeting Cam Whitmore? Even smarter.

• Sitting idle and hoping this is enough? That’s not the Laker way.

So don’t be surprised if more headlines break over the coming days. Los Angeles may have started slow in free agency — but they’re sprinting now.

And Lakers fans? You might want to keep your phones charged and notifications on.