​The Los Angeles Lakers have made solid progress in addressing their offseason priorities. They’ve added a true starting-level defensive-minded center in Walker Kessler, a versatile two-way wing in Quentin Grimes, a guard capable of scoring, facilitating and generating pace in Collin Sexton, and a productive big man in Sandro Mamukelashvili. On Tuesday, they further filled a need by securing a contract agreement with Kevon Looney, a 30-year-old veteran center and standout rebounder who has claimed three NBA championships. Yet the Lakers still lack a true starting-level two-way forward, and they remain connected to a pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga to fill that gap.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that the Lakers did meet with Kuminga the week free agency officially opened. The team remains hopeful about landing Kuminga, who became a free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option on June 29. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick conducted a virtual meeting with Kuminga the following day, presenting a vision for him to log substantial minutes as a wing beside Luka Doncic in a spacious on-court system that would suit Kuminga’s skill set, according to league sources quoted by ESPN. However, after those conversations, the Lakers deployed much of their remaining cap space to secure commitments from Kessler, Mamukelashvili, Grimes, and Sexton, leaving only a limited amount of financial flexibility and a single open roster spot after the Looney deal.
Nevertheless, Los Angeles continues to pursue Kuminga. Several members of the organization, including players, have expressed a clear interest in adding him. Pelinka has kept in touch with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, and has progressively refined their offer in recent days, while reiterating to Kuminga the potential impact of joining a franchise building around Doncic, including a likely starting role and the opportunity such a move could present for his career. Kuminga and Turner, though, have not yet accepted the Lakers’ approach, believing there are additional pathways to more favorable terms as the offseason moves forward.
Creating salary cap space remains a hurdle for Los Angeles. To persuade Kuminga, they would likely need to move other contracts, and reports indicate they’ve contemplated trading away players such as forward Jarred Vanderbilt, wing Dalton Knecht, and guard Jaden Hardy to unlock room. Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times has described the kind of deal the Lakers are contemplating for Kuminga: a two-year, roughly $20 million contract that would land Kuminga as a starting small forward who brings the athleticism the team covets. While Kuminga would introduce certain risks—namely inconsistent production and questions about his attitude and effort—his elite athleticism makes him an appealing project for a team seeking to maximize its ceiling with a dynamic, high-upside wing.
In sum, the Lakers have assembled a solid core of players who address key offseason needs, but they still face the challenge of landing a starting-caliber two-way forward. Kuminga remains a central target, with the Lakers pursuing him actively and maintaining discussions with his representation, even as cap constraints and ongoing offseason dealings complicate the path to a deal. The next weeks will determine whether they can clear enough space and reach terms that satisfy both Kuminga and the franchise’s long-term plan around Doncic, while balancing the roster with complementary pieces who can contribute consistently on both ends of the floor.