TITLE: Lakers Reportedly Focusing on Jonathan Kuminga Over Rui Hachimura in Free Agency
SLUG: lakers-prioritize-jonathan-kuminga-over-rui-hachimura-free-agency
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers are concentrating their free-agency efforts on Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga, placing him ahead of incumbent wing Rui Hachimura on the team’s wish list, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer.
Fischer said the Lakers “were very in on Kuminga” at the start of free agency and have “maintained contact” with the 23-year-old’s representatives. He added that Los Angeles delivered a pitch outlining the role Kuminga could play in helping Luka Doncic chase a Western Conference title and that Hachimura “is not a priority to the Lakers.”
The franchise explored a sign-and-trade for Kuminga last summer and monitored his restricted free agency with the Golden State Warriors before he accepted a one-plus-one contract that ultimately led to a trade to Atlanta. With the current market thinning, Fischer called Kuminga “the Lakers’ top choice right now at the wing spot of all the guys left on the board.”
Lakers’ roster needs
Los Angeles still needs a starting power forward and must clear salary-cap space to add either Kuminga or Hachimura. Hachimura, who arrived via trade in 2023, is coming off a career year in purple and gold and would improve the club’s three-point shooting. Kuminga would supply athletic slashing and stronger rebounding, though neither player is regarded as a standout defender.
The Lakers are also searching for a backup center after sending Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. Free agents Nick Richards, Kevon Looney and Jonas Valančiūnas are among the options being monitored.
The front office is expected to continue pursuing roster upgrades as it looks to complete its offseason overhaul.
Source: LakersNation.com
