​The Lakers are reportedly looking to add a 3-and-D wing, a move they’ve struggled to secure in either free agency or via trade so far this off-season. They’ve spent much of their valuable assets chasing a top-tier center, grabbing Walker Kessler, and it’s clear that much of their available resources were directed toward landing Luka Doncic’s long-term center. While addressing that frontcourt need was obvious, the team still lacks a reliable two-way wing, a gap that remains their next logical target—though not necessarily a long-term one.
Options in that department are limited, but the Lakers appear to have a real shot at landing a young, promising forward in Jonathan Kuminga. The Lakers allegedly want Kuminga, and Kuminga is reportedly eager to play in Los Angeles. Yet, as free agency progresses into a second week, a resolution hasn’t materialized. The path isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
With one open roster spot and scant financial flexibility, the Lakers must navigate a delicate equation. California Post’s Lakers insider Khobi Price outlined what it could take to land Kuminga. He suggested that the primary route would be a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, a move that would allow Kuminga to command a salary higher than what the Lakers can offer as an unrestricted free agent. Price noted a source indicating the Hawks are willing to pursue a sign-and-trade with the Lakers under a framework that would have Kuminga land in L.A. while Atlanta receives Jarred Vanderbilt plus the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap—the Lakers’ solitary first-rounder option this summer.
Reportedly, the Lakers offered Kuminga a two-year, $20 million deal. Compare that to Kuminga’s previous earnings, which surpassed $23 million last season as part of his NBA championship breakout. A potential $13 million pay cut represents a significant concession, but it would give Kuminga a chance to showcase his value on a title-contending squad led by Doncic. Such an opportunity could position him for a larger contract down the line if he demonstrates his worth on a big stage.
If Kuminga joins the Lakers on this proposed deal, he would likely play a key role, whether as a starter or as a critical contributor off the bench. The move could set him up for a bigger payday in the future, especially if he thrives within a championship system in a city that offers ample exposure and opportunity. The Lakers, known for presenting player-friendly contracts, might need to extend that kind of approach to secure Kuminga’s services.
As the free agency period unfolds, the possibility of a Kuminga-Lakers alliance remains a focal point for both sides. The potential sign-and-trade with the Hawks would hinge on negotiations and the willingness of both teams to bridge the financial gap and asset exchange necessary to make the deal work. If the Lakers can craft an agreement that satisfies Kuminga’s ambitions and offers a viable path to a competitive rotation around Doncic, Kuminga could become a crucial piece in Los Angeles’s ongoing efforts to rebuild a versatile, two-way lineup aimed at contending in a crowded Western Conference.
The broader context includes ongoing discussions about the landscape of LeBron James and Anthony Edwards talk that often dominate trade chatter, with other franchises watching closely as teams recalibrate their rosters in response to salary cap realities and the shifting dynamics of the league. While there’s chatter about various players and potential moves, Kuminga’s situation in L.A. remains one of the more concrete, widely discussed scenarios as teams seek to align on a plan that blends youthful upside with immediate contribution on a competitive squad. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Lakers can finalize a path to Kuminga’s services, and how that decision will shape their roster construction for the upcoming season. The Sports News covers the evolving developments as this story continues to unfold, and readers can consider this a continuing update on one of the summer’s more intriguing potential signings.