If the Los Angeles Lakers are planning to make a real push before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, it's time to get serious-and specific. The clock is ticking, and if they want to land a difference-maker, they’ll need to sharpen their focus.
One name reportedly on their radar? Golden State’s 6-foot-7 forward and NBA champion, Jonathan Kuminga. According to recent reports, the Lakers and Warriors have had preliminary discussions centered around Kuminga, though it sounds like those talks haven’t gained much traction.
The Lakers’ reported offer? A package built around the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, plus a 2032 second-round pick.
On paper, it’s a low-risk move for Los Angeles-shedding salary while taking a swing at a high-upside young player. But from Golden State’s perspective, it’s hard to see that offer turning heads.
Let’s break it down.
Gabe Vincent was a key piece in Miami’s rotation not long ago, especially during the Heat’s deep playoff runs. But since arriving in L.A. in 2023, he’s struggled to find his rhythm.
Injuries have played a role, sure, but even when healthy, Vincent hasn’t looked like the versatile two-way guard the Lakers hoped they were getting. His shooting has been shaky, his playmaking inconsistent, and defensively, he hasn’t brought the same edge he showed in South Beach.
As for Kleber, he’s a solid veteran with playoff experience and a reliable outside shot when healthy. But he’s not the type of frontcourt piece the Warriors are actively seeking. Golden State’s system thrives on versatility, quick decision-making, and defensive switchability-traits that don’t exactly align with what Kleber brings at this stage of his career.
And then there’s the 2032 second-round pick. It’s always nice to have future draft capital, but let’s be honest-asking a team to give up a 21-year-old athletic wing with upside for a pick that’s six drafts away? That’s a tough sell.
Kuminga, for his part, has shown flashes of becoming a real two-way force. He’s still developing, but his combination of size, athleticism, and defensive potential makes him one of the more intriguing young players on Golden State’s roster. The Warriors may be navigating a tricky balance between competing now and building for the future, but unless a team puts something truly compelling on the table, they’re not likely to part with a player like Kuminga just to clear cap space.
So where does that leave the Lakers?
If they’re serious about making a splash-and if Kuminga is truly the target-they’ll need to come back with a stronger offer. That might mean including a more valuable draft pick, a younger player with upside, or a win-now piece that fits Golden State’s system. Because right now, the current proposal just isn’t cutting it.
The Lakers have made it clear they want to compete this season. But if they want to land a player who can actually move the needle, they’ll need to bring more to the table.