The Los Angeles Lakers’ attempt to land unrestricted free-agent wing Jonathan Kuminga is being slowed by Atlanta’s refusal to accept forward Jarred Vanderbilt in a proposed sign-and-trade, league sources told Lakers Nation.
Los Angeles has discussed sending Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap to the Hawks in exchange for Kuminga, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Atlanta, however, “has not considered” taking Vanderbilt’s contract, which has two guaranteed seasons and nearly $25 million remaining, plus a 2027-28 player option.
Because the Hawks are unwilling to absorb Vanderbilt, the Lakers are exploring multi-team configurations that would redirect the 25-year-old forward to a different club. Finding a third partner would allow Los Angeles to craft a richer deal for Kuminga than the two-year, $20 million package the team originally presented.
Kuminga, 23, is seeking a salary structure approaching his $22.5 million 2025-26 number but is reportedly open to varied contract formats if a sign-and-trade can be finalized. Sources believe any departure from Atlanta will almost certainly come via sign-and-trade, not cap space.
The Lakers have only one tradeable first-round asset left—the 2032 pick swap—heightening the importance of moving Vanderbilt elsewhere to satisfy Atlanta’s demands. With few impact wings remaining in free agency and the Cleveland Cavaliers also linked to Kuminga, Los Angeles faces mounting pressure to assemble a workable deal.
In a separate pursuit, the Lakers have shown interest in Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington but are said to be unwilling to take on his four-year, $88 million contract.
Source: Lakers Nation
