​The last time the Los Angeles Lakers sparked this much conversation in July was in 2018, when LeBron James arrived in the summer and then departed this past week. Back then, the team looked drastically different soon after adding James eight years ago; today, they again present a markedly altered silhouette following his exit over a week ago. The Lakers kicked off a whirlwind of activity by acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster sign-and-trade, and immediately after, they launched a flurry of free-agent signings that reshaped the roster within a single hour. The moves show no signs of slowing down, as Los Angeles continues to seek a 23-year-old rising star forward who remains on the open market to further fortify the squad.
In Chicago on March 27, 2025, the Lakers’ attention to roster construction was evident as Luka Dončić, wearing number 77, watched the action before the game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The image, captured by Michael Reaves for Getty Images, comes with Getty’s standard license notice. Meanwhile in Atlanta, on March 21, 2026, Jonathan Kuminga of the Hawks drove to the basket against the Golden State Warriors at State Farm Arena, with Paras Griffin of Getty Images documenting the moment. Both photographs carry the same note: by downloading or using the image, the user consents to Getty Images’ license agreement.
Speculation persists about whether Los Angeles is ready to contend for a title next season. It’s possible the Lakers are just one piece away, and that missing piece could be Jonathan Kuminga, a free-agent star whom they reportedly view as a significant offseason priority. NBA insider Brett Siegel suggested that Los Angeles is close to finalizing a deal for Kuminga, stating, “I don’t think the Lakers are done yet; I do see them getting Jonathan Kuminga and getting that deal done. He’s a guy that would fit in well in a Luka Dončić-led offense.” Reports indicate that negotiations between the Lakers and Kuminga have been ongoing for about a week. The California Post noted that both parties want to partner with each other, though no agreement had been reached at the time of reporting. Kuminga, 23, moved to the Hawks from the Warriors around the trade deadline in February after the Warriors traded him, and earlier in the offseason the Hawks opted not to exercise Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
With the Lakers losing LeBron James and Rui Hachimura to free agency, they find themselves in genuine need of depth, particularly at forward, to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season and beyond. The franchise continues its strategic pursuit of talent to bolster a lineup that could be capable of contending for a title, assuming the right pieces come together and fit within a Luka Dončić–driven offensive system. As the offseason unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Kuminga becomes the missing link L.A. is seeking and whether other targeted moves materialize to round out a championship-ready squad.