The Los Angeles Lakers remain active on the offseason market, with multiple team figures now directly recruiting Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga, league sources told ESPN.
General manager Rob Pelinka and several Lakers players have contacted Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, over the past few days, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. The outreach has emphasized a likely starting role alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes, as well as the potential boost to Kuminga’s career trajectory.
Cap constraints drive trade discussions
Los Angeles currently has only a veteran-minimum slot available. Because Kuminga has not accepted that figure, the front office is evaluating ways to clear salary, either by moving contracts without taking money back or by structuring a sign-and-trade with Atlanta.
Once Kessler’s pending deal is finalized, the Lakers are projected to be over the cap, increasing the likelihood that outgoing salary will be required. A rumored target framework is a two-year, $20 million contract for Kuminga, which would necessitate sending out Jarred Vanderbilt or a package featuring Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Jake LaRavia and possibly Jaden Hardy, depending on collective bargaining rules.
Landing the 2021 lottery pick would immediately solve the team’s vacancy at power forward, a spot Kuminga would be favored to claim in head coach Darvin Ham’s starting lineup.
For now, Los Angeles continues to explore trade scenarios while maintaining steady communication with Kuminga’s camp, hoping to finalize terms before other suitors intervene.
Source: Lakers Nation
