The Lakers are sniffing around the trade market again-and this time, their eyes are on Jonathan Kuminga.
According to reports, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka sees Kuminga as a strong potential fit next to Luka Doncic. It’s not a new fascination, either. The Lakers were reportedly tracking Kuminga as far back as last summer, when his restricted free agency opened the door-however slightly-for a potential future exit from Golden State.
Pelinka is said to be a fan of Kuminga’s athleticism and physical tools. And it’s not hard to see why.
At 6-foot-8 with explosive bounce and defensive versatility, Kuminga brings the kind of two-way potential that could thrive alongside a high-usage star like Doncic. For a Lakers team that’s already retooled around Doncic’s brilliance, adding a powerful, athletic wing who can guard multiple positions and finish in transition would be a logical next step.
Of course, there’s a big question looming over all of this: Would the Warriors actually deal with the Lakers midseason? Around the league, there’s plenty of skepticism about whether these two rivals would pull the trigger on a deal that could shift the balance of power in the West-even slightly.
Kuminga’s current role in Golden State only adds fuel to the rumor mill. He’s appeared in 18 games this season but has fallen out of the Warriors’ rotation.
He’s putting up 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting just over 43% from the field. Solid numbers on paper, but they haven’t quite lived up to the expectations that followed his contributions during the Warriors’ 2022 title run.
He’s still just 23, and the upside is very real. That’s part of what makes his situation so intriguing-and what keeps teams like the Lakers, Mavericks, and Kings circling.
Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal to close out his restricted free agency, with a team option for the second year. That contract structure gives any interested suitor some financial flexibility, while also adding urgency to the Warriors’ decision-making process.
Career-wise, Kuminga averages 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He’s shown flashes-moments where the athleticism and skill intersect in ways that make you believe he’s just one opportunity away from a breakout. But consistency has been elusive, and Golden State’s crowded wing rotation hasn’t helped.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors are eighth.
Both teams have already made bold moves-Los Angeles landing Luka Doncic last season, and Golden State bringing in Jimmy Butler from Miami. Another blockbuster between these two?
It’d be surprising, sure. But when it comes to the Lakers, surprising tends to come with the territory.
Keep an eye on this one. If Kuminga’s situation doesn’t shift in Golden State soon, don’t be shocked if the Lakers come calling with more than just interest.