Lakers Reportedly Considering Trade Pursuit of Warriors Forward Jonathan Kuminga
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The Los Angeles Lakers are monitoring Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga as a potential trade target now that the Jan. 15 trade-eligibility milestone has passed, according to a report from The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II, Sam Amick and Nick Friedell.
League and team sources told the outlet that the Lakers have expressed interest in the 23-year-old wing, although no formal discussions have taken place. The Warriors are said to be aware of the situation and are waiting to see whether talks develop as the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches.
Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has flashed high-level scoring ability and athleticism but has struggled to secure a consistent role under head coach Steve Kerr. His intermittent playing time over the past two seasons has reportedly led the forward to seek a trade.
The Lakers view Kuminga as a player who could help immediately while fitting into their long-term plans. Los Angeles is searching for upgrades on the wing, particularly in perimeter defense, and believes the 6-foot-8 forward could address multiple needs if he reaches his projected ceiling.
Any pursuit faces two key obstacles. First, Los Angeles can include only one future first-round pick—its 2032 selection—in trade packages. The front office is exploring options to flip that pick into multiple lower-value first-rounders to create more flexibility. Second, Golden State may be reluctant to move Kuminga within the Pacific Division, a factor that could raise the asking price.
Kuminga is averaging double-digit points this season and becomes a fully tradable asset now that restrictions tied to his rookie contract anniversary have expired. Whether the Lakers can meet the Warriors’ demands—or whether another team steps in—remains to be seen with just over three weeks left until the deadline.
Source: Lakers Nation
