The Los Angeles Lakers continue to reshape their roster following significant departures in the offseason, including the exit of four-time NBA champion LeBron James. General manager Rob Pelinka has been active in free agency, securing key players such as center Walker Kessler, who agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract, along with contributions from Aleksa Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton. Despite these additions, questions remain about the team’s overall cohesion and ability to fill critical roster gaps.
One of the Lakers’ primary needs is a versatile wing defender, a role that has attracted interest to Jonathan Kuminga, the 23-year-old forward formerly with the Atlanta Hawks. Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. His youth and potential as a two-way player have made him an appealing target for Los Angeles.
Reports indicate that Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick have engaged in virtual discussions with Kuminga. These talks reportedly occurred before the Lakers completed deals for their recent acquisitions. Kuminga and his representatives continue to evaluate their options amid interest from several teams, and as of now, the Lakers have yet to present an offer deemed competitive by the forward’s camp.
The Lakers face financial constraints that complicate a potential signing. Presently, their cap space allows only for a veteran minimum contract, necessitating strategic maneuvers to accommodate a player like Kuminga. Possible approaches include orchestrating trades or utilizing contract stretching to waive existing players such as Jarred Vanderbilt. The team recently created approximately $2.1 million in additional cap room following a trade that sent Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and future draft considerations.
Compounding the Lakers’ roster concerns is the loss of Rui Hachimura, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, leaving the Lakers without a clear fallback option at wing. The situation is further complicated by the need for a backup center after the Ayton trade, underscoring the urgency of securing suitable additions before the 2026-27 season.
The pursuit of Kuminga represents a pivotal moment for the Lakers. A successful acquisition could address a critical deficiency and bolster the team’s competitive prospects. Conversely, failure to add a versatile wing defender may leave the Lakers entering the upcoming season with notable gaps in their lineup. How Pelinka manages the cap and negotiates with Kuminga’s camp will be closely watched as the roster continues to evolve.