The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring the possibility of signing free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, a move that would require creating approximately $7 million in additional salary cap space. This pursuit comes as the team has been active in reshaping its roster following the departure of superstar Luka Doncic. The Lakers have already made significant additions, including acquiring center Walker Kessler via trade and signing him to a four-year, $130 million deal. They also added guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, along with forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
To make room for Kuminga, the Lakers might consider waiving and stretching the contract of forward Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt's tenure with the team has been marked by offensive struggles and injury concerns, making his departure a potential avenue for financial flexibility. Kuminga, 23, spent his first four seasons with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks prior to the 2026 trade deadline. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. The Lakers have previously expressed interest in Kuminga earlier this year, indicating a sustained belief in his potential.
The Lakers' offseason began with significant player movement, including the departure of LeBron James. The team also lost key free agents Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. General Manager Rob Pelinka has aimed to address these subtractions with a series of signings. However, limited cap space has constrained further significant additions, with the team previously only able to offer league-minimum deals. The potential acquisition of Kuminga represents a more substantial move to bolster the roster, though its execution remains uncertain pending the club's ability to clear the necessary cap space.