The Los Angeles Lakers have already made a slew of signings this summer, in an effort to improve the roster around their star point guard, Luka Doncic. While Doncic is reportedly happy with the moves so far, the Lakers may not be done adding to their team ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Their latest pursuit involves Jonathan Kuminga, who is one of the best remaining players in NBA free agency. While the Lakers have been unable to agree to terms with Kuminga, the Atlanta Hawks could facilitate his arrival by agreeing to a sign-and-trade deal for Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap.
“The Hawks are willing to execute a sign-and-trade with the Lakers around the framework of Kuminga going to L.A. and the Hawks receiving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap – the lone option the Lakers have of trading a first-round pick this summer. Los Angeles also has three second-round picks available to trade,” reported Khobi Price of the New York Post. “Kuminga’s contract would have to be for at least three or four seasons (not including option seasons), and the first season must be fully guaranteed, if the Lakers acquired him in a sign-and-trade.”
A sign-and-trade for Kuminga would be the best scenario for the Lakers. After filling out their roster this summer, they don’t have any flexibility to make a major addition, and that’s likely what’s holding up the contract talks. But if they can get Kuminga while offloading a contract of their own (Jarred Vanderbilt will make $15 million over the next two seasons), it would allow Los Angeles to bring in JK without majorly shaking up their core rotation.
Kuminga, 23, is currently an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his $24.3 million player option for next season. While the young swingman has had a rough couple of years, he’s shown enough flashes to draw interest from the Lakers and Cavaliers, two teams desperate for depth on the wing. While Jonathan is not a fix-all option, he has the potential to thrive in the right situation.
Last season, in 36 games, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 47.6% shooting and 34.6% shooting from three. While his stint with the Hawks was short-lived, he has an opportunity to choose his own path this summer, and he wants to join a team that values his impact on the floor.
On the Lakers, Kuminga can get the best of both worlds. Not only will he get to play meaningful games on a legacy franchise, but he’ll have a chance at a major role right away as a starter alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. Behind head coach JJ Redick, who is widely seen as a basketball genius across the NBA, Jonathan would be equipped to have his best season yet in the NBA.
Ultimately, what happens next is in Rob Pelinka’s hands now. He must decide soon if adding Kuminga is worth giving up their last remaining draft capital, but nothing is off the table, as the pressure to win now continues to loom above the franchise.
