Lakers Eye Jonathan Kuminga in $20M Deal, Price Gap Remains

Lakers’ Proposal and Trade Options

The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting a two‑year, $20 million contract for forward Jonathan Kuminga. To meet the salary‑cap requirements they could jettison Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht, absorbing no additional salary, or they might pursue a sign‑and‑trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the team Kuminga just finished the season with. Either path would free enough room for the $20 million offer the Lakers prefer to extend.

Kuminga’s Market Value and Insider Insights

According to Khobi Price of the California Post, Kuminga also wants to wear a Lakers jersey. Jake Fischer said Kuminga is looking for more than the $25 million he commanded last year with Golden State, adding that the market may struggle to deliver that figure. Marc Stein noted the league’s tight cap situation, observing that if Kuminga can settle for $20 million over two years “there’s no cap space left anywhere, really.”

On‑Court Profile and Possible Concerns

Over his five‑year career Kuminga averages 12.5 points on 50.2% shooting, 4.2 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game. He brings elite transition finishing, strong defensive instincts, and championship experience from the 2022 Warriors team. Scouts still question his 3‑point shooting and overall intangibles, which could affect his role with a rebuilding Lakers squad.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

Los Angeles must decide whether to move Vanderbilt and Knecht or to engineer a sign‑and‑trade with Atlanta to accommodate the $20 million deal. If Kuminga resists a lower offer, the transaction could collapse as free‑agent market conditions tighten. The front office will balance his scoring upside against the roster spots needed to build a contender for the coming season.