Lakers’ Pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga Reportedly Hits a Standstill
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ efforts to land free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga have slowed, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
Woike reported that negotiations between the Lakers and Kuminga’s camp are “far apart on terms,” and Los Angeles is reluctant to surrender significant draft assets needed to complete a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who hold Kuminga’s rights. The Lakers have already exhausted their salary-cap space for the 2026-27 season, making a sign-and-trade their only viable path to acquire the 23-year-old.
Trade talks have stalled in part because Atlanta is unwilling to absorb the contract of forward Jarred Vanderbilt, league sources told The Athletic. Los Angeles could attempt to involve a third team willing to take Vanderbilt or another expiring deal, but the franchise has hesitated to part with its remaining draft capital—three second-round picks and one first-round pick swap.
Cleveland has also been linked to Kuminga, though the Cavaliers are currently prioritizing their pursuit of 41-year-old free agent LeBron James. A decision on Kuminga’s destination is unlikely until James finalizes his plans.
If the Lakers cannot secure Kuminga, they may pivot to defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle, who could be available on a minimum contract because of his injury history.
Source: Lakers Nation
