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The Los Angeles Lakers have a clear path to adding ex-Golden State Warriors NBA champion forward Jonathan Kuminga to their roster.
Sending Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap to the Atlanta Hawks is a deal that would likely suffice for the Lakers, per the California Post’s Khobi Price.
However, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes Los Angeles should steer clear of a Kuminga sign-and-trade and pivot to an $11 million Nuggets rising star.
"Unfortunately, while Kuminga would address Los Angeles' need for wing depth, it appears he's out of the Lakers' price range—sign-and-trade or no," Knox wrote Saturday. "NBA insider Jake Fischer (h/t Bleacher Report's Andrew Peters), the Hawks are 'seeking more than the Lakers can offer to this point."
"If Atlanta is truly asking for more than the Lakers are comfortable offering, it's time to pivot to other wing options. Giving up trade assets and then overpaying Kuminga isn't the sort of move that will make L.A. a title contender, and waiting to see if his situation changes could cost the Lakers quality options for those 'critical' last roster spots."
"Some intriguing wing options are also still available in free agency, like Matisse Thybulle, Bruce Brown, and restricted free agent Payton Watson. While they may lack the untapped potential that Kuminga may still possess, one of them could help fill L.A.'s need for depth and defense."
"Thybulle, for example, is a two-time second-team All-Defense selection. Like Kuminga, Brown and Watson have both been part of championship squads (both with the Denver Nuggets)."
It’s difficult to envision Knox getting his wish this summer. The Lakers’ interest in Kuminga is real. Although he’s a below-average perimeter shooter and isn’t the frightening defender he should be with his physical tools, Los Angeles appears content with helping him finally put it all together.
If the Lakers do pivot to Watson, though, they face an overwhelming challenge they may not overcome. Although the Nuggets are open to a sign-and-trade centered on their surging three-and-D wing, the Lakers don't possess the draft capital necessary to entice Denver, and, like Kuminga, Los Angeles would find itself paying more than it should for the 23-year-old unrestricted free agent.
In all likelihood, the Lakers will continue pursuing Kuminga and keep their wing search as simple as possible.
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