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The Los Angeles Lakers believe they are one piece away from completing what has already been a successful offseason. With LeBron James no longer in the picture, the franchise has fully committed to building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers have added promising young talent this summer, but they do not appear to be finished making moves. One of their top reported targets is Jonathan Kuminga, with interest existing on both sides.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Kuminga enters free agency after spending last season with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta declined his team option for the upcoming season, making him available on the open market.
“The Atlanta Hawks are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent. Kuminga, who will turn 24 before next season, played in 16 regular-season games for the Hawks after joining the team via trade in February, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. The trade was the result of a summerlong contract feud with the Golden State Warriors that followed years of discontent over his role on the team,” ESPN wrote.
If the Lakers are unable to land Kuminga, Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Ward believes they could pivot to former NBA champion Bruce Brown.
“Although he’s not the same player he was when he won an NBA title playing alongside Nikola Jokic with the Denver Nuggets, Bruce Brown isn’t a bad option for the Lakers. He doesn’t bring the size that Kuminga or Williams do, but Brown has championship experience, along with being a decent rebounder and defender, and can be another reliable ballhandler off the bench,” Ward wrote.
Brown may not be the young, high-upside addition the Lakers have prioritized this offseason, but he would provide valuable championship experience, dependable defense, and veteran leadership. His versatility would also strengthen the Lakers' bench rotation.
Brown has earned roughly $63 million over the course of his NBA career, and the Lakers likely would not need to offer a significant contract to bring him in. While Kuminga remains the preferred target, Brown would represent a solid fallback option while also helping mentor young players such as Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, and the rest of the Lakers' developing core.
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