​Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, recently criticized Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr for not maximizing Jonathan Kuminga’s potential, especially given Kuminga’s status as a target for the Los Angeles Lakers. A former Lakers champion and current broadcaster, Mychal argues that Kuminga’s talents have been underutilized by his previous coaches, leaving the 23-year-old unsigned in free agency. With the Lakers reportedly a likely destination, Kuminga may need to settle for a team-friendly deal, as there has been little indication of substantial interest from other franchises. During a Tuesday appearance on ESPN Los Angeles radio, Mychal Thompson presented strong reasons why the Lakers are the optimal fit for Kuminga.
Shortly afterward, he addressed why Kuminga has not received significant offers despite his upside and his turbulent stints with Golden State and Atlanta. “I don’t know, maybe his coaches don’t know how to coach him up,” Thompson suggested. “He’s got a lot of talent. He’s an incredible athlete. He can knock down shots, he can get to the basket, he could run the floor with the best of them, he could jump out of the gym. I would definitely take a chance on him and then coach him up. That’s the thing coaches make money for, so teach him how to play the game the right way. I think he’s a diamond in the rough, as they say.”
Kuminga’s time with the Warriors under Kerr was marked by a desire for a larger role that never fully materialized. He spent most of his tenure in Golden State before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February for Kristaps Porzingis. In a Warriors uniform, Kuminga averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three-point range. He wanted a more substantial role, but the Warriors’ system did not appear to fit his self-creation mindset, which conflicted with Kerr’s coaching philosophy. As a result, Kuminga’s standing within the franchise waned, and trade rumors persisted since 2024.
The Hawks did not provide a clear path to a breakout either. In 16 games for Atlanta, Kuminga posted 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from three. Despite the solid numbers, the Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, leaving him as an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers have reportedly shown interest in Kuminga, with a potential two-year, $20 million offer—roughly half of the $23.8 million he earned last season. LA Times reporter Broderick Turner noted that people with knowledge of the situation say Los Angeles is weighing a two-year, $20 million deal for Kuminga, envisioning him as the athletic wing the Lakers could start at small forward. This pathway would provide the Lakers with needed wing depth after losing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart in free agency. A Kuminga deal around $10 million per year would be a low-risk, high-reward signing for a team seeking to rebuild its wing rotation with young, athletic upside.
Mychal Thompson’s comments also touch on the broader theme of coaching development. He implied that Kuminga’s growth would be best served by a staff capable of refining his talents and teaching him the right way to play within a team framework. If he lands with the Lakers, the organization would be tasked with unlocking Kuminga’s versatility, encouraging him to leverage his athleticism while integrating him into a system that suits his skill set. The potential of Kuminga, paired with a constructive coaching approach, could maximize his impact and raise his value in the eyes of free-agent markets.
In sum, the discussion centers on Kuminga’s underutilization in Golden State, the possibility that Kerr’s system did not align with his developing style, and the prospect that the Lakers could provide the ideal environment to cultivate his talents. As Kuminga navigates free agency, teams will weigh the upside of a young, explosive wing against the cost of giving him a larger role and a longer commitment. If Mychal Thompson’s assessment holds, Kuminga’s best chance to reach his ceiling may come from a coaching staff that can harness his raw ability, teach him the game the right way, and integrate him into a winning system.