The Lakers have continued their roster reconstruction during the NBA offseason, making several free agency signings and trades. Despite the ongoing free agency decision of LeBron James, the team has secured deals for Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. They also acquired Jaden Hardy in a trade that sent Deandre Ayton to the Wizards.
In addition to these moves, the Lakers have added veteran minimum signings, including Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. The team is currently at 16 players with standard NBA deals and must trim the roster to 15 before the regular season begins in late October. However, the Lakers are still looking to strengthen their roster around cornerstone players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, with potential additions including another backup big man and a starting-caliber wing.
Central to the Lakers' pursuit of bolstering their roster is unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Mutual interest exists between the Lakers and Kuminga, with team president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick meeting with him after free agency opened in late June. A deal has not yet been reached as the Lakers and Kuminga's representatives are still negotiating salary terms. The most likely path for the Lakers to acquire the 23-year-old forward, who previously played for the Hawks and Warriors, would be a sign-and-trade agreement with the Hawks.
Progress on a deal for Kuminga has been slow over the past few weeks, reportedly due to James' free agency situation. The Cavaliers also have a strong interest in Kuminga, with coach Kenny Atkinson having a prior coaching relationship with the player during their time with the Warriors. If James does not return to Cleveland, it could increase Kuminga's likelihood of joining the Cavaliers, who would potentially make other roster moves to accommodate him.
While the Lakers remain focused on Kuminga, they are also developing alternative strategies. If a deal for Kuminga does not materialize, the team is exploring other options. Ochai Agbaji and Trendon Watford are identified as potential free agent targets who could fit as forwards, though they are not considered starting-level players.
The Lakers' primary option for acquiring a starting forward would likely involve a trade. Trade rumors have long linked the Lakers to Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, but his guaranteed contract over the next four years has reportedly been a point of concern for the Lakers. Trade inquiries for Nuggets forward Cam Johnson have reportedly been rebuffed by Denver.
More viable trade options for a starting forward include Kings forward De’Andre Hunter and Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma. Hunter and Kuzma are entering the final season of their current contracts. Acquiring either player would likely require the Lakers to send a package including players like Jarred Vanderbilt or Jaden Hardy, along with second-round draft picks. The Lakers had previously shown interest in Hunter before he was traded to the Kings. While there is no current known active pursuit of Hunter or Kuzma by the Lakers, they are considered significant backup options should their pursuit of Kuminga prove unsuccessful.