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The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the NBA's busiest teams this offseason after LeBron James informed the organization that he would not be returning. His departure officially ushered in the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves era in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have already made several notable moves, including trading for Walker Kessler and adding more talent to the roster. Their next move could involve former NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga.
“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.
The biggest obstacle standing in the way of Kuminga joining the Lakers is the team's recent signing of Ziaire Williams. Williams agreed to a smaller contract than the one Kuminga has reportedly been seeking.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to sign Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday. Williams, 24, will join an overhauled frontcourt that lost forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura in free agency. The 6-foot-9 forward, who averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season, will give Lakers coach JJ Redick added length and versatility off the bench,” ESPN’s Ben Golliver wrote.
There is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding whether Williams' signing closes the door on Kuminga. However, Bleacher Report's Andrew Peters believes the Lakers could acquire Kuminga by trading Jarred Vanderbilt in a sign-and-trade.
“Since all of the roster spots are now filled, the Lakers would need to shed a player or two to make room for Kuminga, who reportedly is eyeing a deal worth $25 million per year. Los Angeles could look to move off of a player like Dalton Knecht or Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt has a cap hit of $12.4 million,” Peters wrote.
The Lakers appear committed to finding a way to add Kuminga alongside Doncic and Reaves. While the roster currently offers very little flexibility, Los Angeles could create room by moving a player such as Vanderbilt.
Last season, Kuminga was on a $46 million deal with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks. If the Lakers are able to complete a deal, it would mark Kuminga's third team in roughly a year. The trade would also give Vanderbilt a fresh start, while allowing Kuminga to find the larger role he has reportedly been seeking in Los Angeles.
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