The Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has indicated mutual interest in joining the team, according to team insider Jovan Buha and reported by Evan Sidery.
Kuminga spent his first four NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the Atlanta Hawks, shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. At 23 years old, Kuminga would bring youth and potential as a two-way player to the Lakers' roster.
Securing Kuminga would require the Lakers to create additional salary cap space. General Manager Rob Pelinka has already made several roster additions, including a four-year, $130 million contract for center Walker Kessler, after key players departed in free agency, including LeBron James. The team recently freed up approximately $2.1 million by trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and future draft picks. To sign Kuminga, the Lakers might need to explore trade options or consider stretching and waiving Jarred Vanderbilt's contract. The team currently has limited cap space, primarily allowing for veteran minimum salary signings.
The Lakers are looking to add a versatile wing defender, a position identified as a need. The potential addition of Kuminga could address this, but the team also faces a need for a backup center after trading Ayton. Rui Hachimura's departure to the Los Angeles Clippers leaves the team without a clear backup option if a deal for Kuminga does not materialize.
If the Lakers successfully sign Kuminga, it could be viewed as a significant step toward contention. Conversely, failing to acquire a versatile wing defender would leave the team with an incomplete roster heading into the 2026-27 season.