TITLE: Lakers keep pressing in bid to sign free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga
SLUG: lakers-persistent-in-chase-for-jonathan-kuminga
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers remain in regular contact with free agent Jonathan Kuminga as they attempt to shore up their wing rotation following LeBron James’s reported decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
League sources told ESPN that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka “keeps calling” the 23-year-old forward, pitching the possibility of an immediate starting role. Los Angeles and Kuminga have discussed a deal since the Atlanta Hawks declined his 2026-27 team option, but neither side has reached agreement on salary terms or a potential sign-and-trade framework with Atlanta.
The Lakers’ persistent pursuit underscores the team’s view that its current group of wings—headlined by Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams—needs additional depth and scoring. Few proven starters remain available on either the free-agency or trade markets, increasing the urgency for Los Angeles to secure Kuminga.
James’s move to Philadelphia removed one of Kuminga’s rumored destinations, the Cleveland Cavaliers, from immediate contention for the former No. 7 overall pick. With that domino now settled, league observers expect Kuminga’s free-agency situation to accelerate.
Even if Kuminga lands in Los Angeles, the Lakers are still exploring options at center. The club has already replaced Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes with Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney, but lingering durability concerns have kept the front office active in the search for additional size.
Source: LakersNation.com
