The Los Angeles Lakers remain actively engaged in their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, with interest showing no signs of slowing down.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and the organization “keep calling” about Kuminga as Los Angeles continues exploring ways to acquire the 23-year-old forward.
The latest report reinforces that Kuminga remains one of the Lakers’ top offseason targets despite the financial challenges involved in completing a deal. With limited salary cap flexibility, Los Angeles is widely viewed as needing a sign-and-trade agreement to bring Kuminga to the franchise.
One possible path has already emerged. According to Khobi Price of the California Post, the Atlanta Hawks are open to helping facilitate a sign-and-trade that would send Kuminga to Los Angeles. A framework could include Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap heading to Atlanta.
Under NBA collective bargaining rules, Kuminga’s new contract in a sign-and-trade would have to run at least three seasons, excluding option years, with the first season fully guaranteed. Such a structure would also allow him to earn significantly more than the Lakers could offer using their remaining cap space.
Los Angeles has already reshaped its roster this offseason following LeBron James’ departure. The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney, building around franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic while addressing several depth concerns.
Even after those additions, the front office continues searching for another athletic wing capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. Kuminga fits that profile and would provide another versatile forward alongside Doncic.
Vanderbilt has frequently surfaced in trade discussions because of his contract. The defensive specialist has two years and $25.7 million remaining on the extension he signed in 2023, including a $12.4 million salary for the 2026-27 season and a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28. Moving that contract could help the Lakers balance salaries in a sign-and-trade while creating additional roster flexibility.
Kuminga’s availability stems from Atlanta’s decision not to exercise his $24.3 million team option after acquiring him in a midseason trade from the Golden State Warriors. In 16 games with the Hawks, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
For his career, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds across five NBA seasons. His most productive campaign came in 2023-24 with Golden State, when he posted 16.1 points per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and emerging as one of the Warriors’ most efficient scorers.
The Lakers have reportedly evaluated smaller free-agent offers because of their financial limitations. Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported Los Angeles considered a deal worth roughly two years and $20 million, while ESPN’s Dave McMenamin noted the club has intentionally kept its final roster spot open for a significant addition.
Slater’s latest report indicates Pelinka is still searching for a way to make Kuminga that addition. As negotiations continue around the league, the Lakers remain persistent in exploring every avenue to land one of the offseason’s most intriguing young forwards.
