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The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to put the finishing touches on what they believe has been a successful offseason, even after losing four-time NBA champion LeBron James. Over the past several weeks, Los Angeles has focused on building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers' next priority appears to be former Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, with reported interest from 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.
Last season, Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and helped the team reach the playoffs. This offseason, however, Atlanta declined Kuminga's team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
“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
The Lakers appear willing to explore every avenue to acquire Kuminga, with a sign-and-trade viewed as one of the most realistic scenarios. Sidery recently outlined a potential framework involving veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt.
“A potential Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade framework between the Lakers and Hawks: Los Angeles: Kuminga. Atlanta: Jarred Vanderbilt + 2032 swap,” Sidery wrote.
Vanderbilt's role with the Lakers diminished last season, making him a logical trade candidate. Los Angeles has also reportedly explored moving Dalton Knecht, although it remains uncertain whether the Hawks would have interest in including him in a deal.
Kuminga played last season on a $46 million contract, though his next deal could come in at a lower annual value. A trade would give Vanderbilt a fresh start while providing Kuminga the opportunity to develop alongside elite playmakers in Doncic and Reaves.
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to put the finishing touches on what they believe has been a successful offseason, even after losing four-time NBA champion LeBron James. Over the past several weeks, Los Angeles has focused on building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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