​Lakers reportedly in active discussions with Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade, originally published by The Sporting News. The Sporting News is listed as a preferred source by clicking here. It’s well known that the Los Angeles Lakers have eyes on former Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, a 23-year-old with notable upside who could fit the Lakers’ needs on the wing. While there were whispers that Los Angeles might pursue a straightforward free-agent signing with Kuminga this offseason, a potential sign-and-trade scenario with the Atlanta Hawks has gained traction in recent days.
NBA reporter Evan Sidery stated on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the Lakers are actively negotiating a sign-and-trade with the Hawks for Kuminga. “The Lakers are in active discussions with the Hawks to complete a sign-and-trade soon for Jonathan Kuminga,” Sidery wrote. He added that Kuminga’s preferred destination is Los Angeles, a sentiment reportedly reinforced by aggressive pitches from Lakers executive Rob Pelinka and analyst JJ Redick. With the Lakers reportedly seeking a starting wing and Kuminga’s skill set and athleticism, a successful sign-and-trade could help address a key roster need for a team that remains intent on contending in a stacked Western Conference.
According to The California Post’s Khobi Price, a sign-and-trade package centered around Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap could be the core of a deal that satisfies both sides. Kuminga began the 2025-26 season in Golden State, but his tenure in the Bay Area hit a rough patch as he found himself in Steve Kerr’s roughly used rotation and eventually part of trade discussions. The Warriors ultimately moved Kuminga, along with Buddy Hield, to the Hawks in a blockbuster swap that delivered Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta. Kuminga’s time in the league has showcased him as a downhill-first offensive threat and a premium vertical athlete, and last season he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game across both the Warriors and Hawks, shooting 46.3 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
The Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga appears tied to a broader objective: pairing Luka Doncic with a dynamic, versatile forward who can defend multiple positions, attack downhill, and stretch the floor when necessary. If the sign-and-trade comes together, Kuminga would join a Lakers squad that places a premium on length, athleticism, and two-way impact. The potential deal could provide Los Angeles with a starting wing who can contribute immediately on both ends of the floor, complementing Doncic’s playmaking and creating an additional offensive dynamic for the team.
As negotiations unfold, fans and pundits will be watching closely to see whether the Hawks’ willingness to move Kuminga in a sign-and-trade aligns with their own short- and long-term plans, including cap considerations and the potential impact on the team’s rotation and development timeline. The Wizards of the NBA universe understand that a deal of this nature hinges on mutual interest, financial structure, and the strategic fit within both franchises’ rosters.
In sum, the Lakers remain firmly in pursuit of Kuminga, with the potential sign-and-trade framework involving the Hawks representing a feasible path to adding a high-upside wing to a roster that aspires to contend at a high level. While the final outcome remains to be seen, the possibility of Kuminga donning a Lakers uniform remains a focal point of offseason chatter, as both teams weigh the advantages and implications of a move that could alter the balance of power in a deep league. The presence of The Sporting News as a preferred source underscores the ongoing interest and reporting surrounding this developing storyline.