The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has also expressed a desire to join the team. However, negotiations have stalled over financial terms, with both sides remaining far apart on the specifics of a potential contract.
Following the Atlanta Hawks' decision on June 29 to decline Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with the player the next day. During this meeting, the Lakers reportedly pitched Kuminga as a key starting wing who would complement superstar Luka Doncic and complete their roster's vision. This plan included re-signing Austin Reaves, which was finalized with a four-year, $185 million deal, and acquiring a center, which led to a four-year, $130 million agreement with Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade.
Despite the stated vision, the Lakers' initial offer to Kuminga did not align with the importance they seemed to place on his acquisition. The Lakers entered the offseason with approximately $52 million in salary cap space. However, subsequent agreements with players like Kessler, Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million), and Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million) significantly reduced their flexibility.
Further moves, including trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks, and agreeing to a veteran minimum contract with Kevon Looney, have left the Lakers with minimal cap space and only one open roster spot. Despite these financial constraints, Pelinka has maintained communication with Kuminga's agent.
The Lakers have reportedly increased their offers to Kuminga, with the average annual salary now around $10 million. This figure is less than the contracts of Grimes and Mamukelashvili, and falls short of expectations given the Lakers' initial perceived vision for Kuminga's role.
Kuminga's camp reportedly believes there may be more advantageous options available for him. One potential avenue to facilitate the deal is a sign-and-trade agreement between the Hawks and the Lakers. This structure could allow Kuminga to secure a higher salary than the Lakers are currently able to offer as an unrestricted free agent. According to a source, the Hawks are open to such a trade, potentially involving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap in exchange for Kuminga.
Vanderbilt is currently under contract for two more seasons with a total value of $25.7 million, including a player option for the 2027-28 season. The Lakers have indicated a willingness to trade Vanderbilt and other players on their roster to create more flexibility in roster construction. The Cleveland Cavaliers have also reportedly expressed interest in Kuminga.
Following the recent agreed-upon deals, the Lakers are projected to be $33.7 million below the $209 million first apron, which sets a hard cap for the team once all transactions are finalized.