Following LeBron James' decision not to return to the Lakers for what would have been a record 24th NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have aggressively continued their roster rebuild, moving forward with several significant transactions even as much of the league remains in a holding pattern.

Last week, the Lakers completed a sign-and-trade deal to acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, securing the center on a four-year, $130 million contract. In free agency, they added Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million), and Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million). Additionally, they traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in a deal that brought Jaden Hardy to Los Angeles. The team has also signed several veterans to minimum deals, including Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle.

Despite these moves, the Lakers are still looking to finalize their roster, which currently stands at 16 players signed to standard NBA contracts. League rules require trimming the roster to 15 before the regular season begins in late October. The franchise’s primary focus remains strengthening the core group surrounding Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Kessler by adding a backup big man and potentially another starting-level wing.

Central to the Lakers’ plans is unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The team has demonstrated clear interest, with Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, along with head coach JJ Redick, holding meetings with Kuminga since free agency opened in late June. However, discussions on a deal have stagnated, largely due to disagreements over salary terms and complications surrounding a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Atlanta Hawks, the team that currently holds his rights. Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, has split his NBA career between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta.

Sources indicate that Kuminga’s situation remains uncertain partly because of James’ decision, with limited progress made in recent weeks. The Cleveland Cavaliers have also expressed significant interest in acquiring Kuminga. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, having previously coached Kuminga as an assistant with Golden State, represents a link that could sway the forward’s decision. Should James not pursue a return to Cleveland, the likelihood of Kuminga joining the Cavaliers may increase, with the team expected to explore various options, including sign-and-trade deals.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Kuminga’s potential arrival, the Lakers are preparing backup plans. Free agents Ochai Agbaji and Trendon Watford are viewed as viable small or power forward additions, though neither is projected to be a starting-caliber player. This reality leaves the Lakers’ best opportunity for adding a top-level wing likely coming via trade.

Trade speculation has frequently linked the Lakers to Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, who played alongside Doncic, but his fully guaranteed $88.8 million contract over the next four years remains a deterrent. The Denver Nuggets have reportedly dismissed trade inquiries for sharpshooter Cam Johnson. Other trade candidates considered realistic for the Lakers include Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, a former Lakers player and 2020 NBA champion with the franchise. Both are entering the final season of their four-year deals worth approximately $90 million. Acquiring either player would likely require the Lakers to send players such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, or Dalton Knecht, along with second-round draft picks.

While there is no current indication of active talks involving Hunter or Kuzma, they remain possible targets should the Lakers be unable to secure Kuminga. The franchise appears determined to finalize its roster composition soon, balancing the need for roster limits with the goal of surrounding its key players with competitive, complementary talent.