Lakers Eye 2‑Year, $20M Deal for Jonathan Kuminga

Kuminga Linked to the Lakers

The Los Angeles front office is reportedly eying former Warriors and Hawks wing Jonathan Kuminga as a key addition this offseason. The Lakers are considering a two‑year, $20 million contract offer, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. This possible deal would require either a salary‑dump elsewhere or a sign‑and‑trade with Atlanta.

Mechanics of the Potential Agreement

Atlanta has already declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million option for the 2026‑27 season, making a trade more palatable for the Hawks. The Hawks currently have other wing options that could fill minutes, so they are likely to accept a deal that removes the contract from their books. The Lakers would need to balance the new commitments with their existing roster financials, possibly moving other players to accommodate the $20 million commitment.

Statistical Snapshot of Kuminga’s Recent Play

In 16 games with Atlanta this season, Kuminga posted averages of 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot 47 percent from the field and connected on 34 percent of his three‑point attempts. While the numbers show solid contribution, they fall short of the elite production expected from a former top pick.

Defensive Profile and Upside

Kuminga possesses the tools to become an elite perimeter defender, though his defensive impact has not consistently matched that potential. The Lakers currently lack depth on the defensive wing, so they see a chance for him to develop into a crucial protective factor. If he can close the gap between his defensive capabilities and his ceiling, the investment could prove valuable.

Kuminga Meets the Lakers’ Vision

ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Kuminga recently held a virtual meeting with Los Angeles general manager Rob Pelinka and former NBA player J.J. Redick. The discussion focused on how Kuminga could thrive alongside Luka Doncic, suggesting the Lakers see a complementary fit for their backcourt. The meeting indicates Los Angeles is actively courting the player to become a supporting piece of their rebuilding plan.

Lakers’ Ongoing Roster Transformations

Los Angeles has already undergone significant changes, parting ways with LeBron James and signing several newcomers. The roster now features Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Kevon Looney. Adding Kuminga would further diversify the team’s skill set and depth, especially on the wing and defensive end. These moves reflect the franchise’s strategy to rebuild quickly while retaining playoff viability.