Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $107M NBA champion to pair with Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers were in hot pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga throughout the entire free agency process, as they wanted him to be their starting power forward. Despite all of the mixed signals surrounding Kuminga, the Lakers stayed committed to pursuing him.

The 23-year-old NBA champion was a top priority for LA. However, Kuminga ultimately agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. Kuminga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

The decision came as a bit of a shock because, once the Cleveland Cavaliers were out of the picture, Kuminga seemed like a lock to join the Lakers.

“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 missing out on Kuminga, a huge hole remains at the power forward position. LA will have to make a move or decide to rely on an internal option. California Post’s Khobi Price believes they could trade Dalton Knecht and another player for Kyle Kuzma.

“Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, who was with the Lakers from 2017-21 and won the 2020 championship with the franchise, stand out as the best trade options. Kuzma ($20.5 million) are entering the final season of their respective four-year, $90 million deals. Trading for either would likely require the Lakers to send a combination of Hardy, Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt, in addition to draft picks,” Price wrote.

This is exactly the type of player LA needs: someone they can rely on. Kuzma has already done plenty of good for the organization and was part of the championship team that won it all in the bubble.

Kuzma has made $107 million throughout his career so far. His versatility to play on the wing and inside would be huge for the Lakers. LA desperately needs a starting power forward, and this would be a strong pickup.

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