Lakers predicted to swap Jarred Vanderbilt for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion in 3-team mega deal

The Los Angeles Lakers still have some significant positional needs to address before the start of the season. Los Angeles needs a starting power forward and another reliable center option over the next couple of months.

It is no secret that the Lakers have been doing everything they can to land Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade. The organization and Kuminga have both had interest in one another for quite some time.

“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.

Still, even if the Lakers land Kuminga to fill the starting power forward spot, they are not completely confident in their depth at center. That is why the team continues to monitor the market for additional options.

“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."

In a proposed three-team trade by SI’s Rohan Roman, the Lakers would land Kuminga while also adding a serviceable backup big man.

“Hawks Receive: Myles Turner, 2031 2nd round pick (via LAL), 2032 2nd round pick (via LAL), and a 2033 2nd round pick. Milwaukee Receives: Corey Kispert, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, a 2027 2nd round pick (via ATL), a top eight protected 2029 1st round pick (via ATL), a 2029 2nd round pick (from ATL, via CLE), and a 2033 2nd round pick (via ATL). Los Angeles receives: Jericho Sims and Jonathan Kuminga,” Roman wrote.

This proposed deal would address two of the Lakers' biggest needs. Kuminga would fill the starting power forward role, while Jericho Sims would give Los Angeles another athletic and reliable option in the frontcourt. Adding both players would give the Lakers even more depth as they look to compete in the Western Conference.

Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season. Finally landing the former Warriors champion would also bring an end to a summer-long pursuit that has lasted much longer than expected. At long last, the Kuminga saga would finally be over.

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