The Los Angeles Lakers are back in the trade rumor mill, and this time the buzz is centered around a potential swap with the Golden State Warriors that would bring Jonathan Kuminga to L.A. In return, the Lakers would send Rui Hachimura, rookie Dalton Knecht, and a 2028 first-round pick swap to the Bay Area. It's a bold idea-and one that speaks directly to the Lakers’ growing urgency to shore up their defense in a loaded Western Conference.
Head coach JJ Redick has made it clear: defense is going to be the foundation if this team wants to make a serious playoff run. That message has only gotten louder since their early exit in the NBA In-Season Tournament, where they were bounced by the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals. While Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt are giving the Lakers elite perimeter resistance, the team still needs more depth and versatility on that end of the floor.
Enter Kuminga-a 23-year-old wing with the kind of athleticism and defensive upside that could give the Lakers exactly what they’re missing. He’s long, explosive, and capable of guarding multiple positions, which is exactly the kind of defensive flexibility Redick wants in his rotation.
He’s also more dynamic offensively than Hachimura, able to score in transition, cut off the ball, and create in isolation when needed. He’s not just a one-dimensional defender-he’s a two-way piece with room to grow.
But there’s a catch. For Kuminga to thrive in L.A., he’d need to embrace a role that prioritizes defense, hustle plays, and off-ball movement-especially on a roster that already features LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and rising guard Austin Reaves.
That could be a sticking point. Kuminga’s time under Steve Kerr in Golden State has shown flashes of brilliance, but also some frustration with limited offensive opportunities.
If Redick can get Kuminga to buy into the dirty work, the Lakers could be unlocking a key piece for their postseason push.
On the Warriors’ side, the deal would bring in Rui Hachimura-a solid system player who can stretch the floor and offer size on the wing. Knecht, still early in his development, adds shooting potential, while the 2028 pick swap gives Golden State some long-term flexibility.
But there’s a roster crunch to consider. To complete the deal, the Warriors would need to waive a player, and that’s no small decision, especially with Pat Spencer reportedly in line for a standard NBA contract.
That kind of move could complicate the front office calculus.
Golden State’s bigger issue, though, isn’t necessarily wing depth-it’s star power. With their championship core aging and the Western Conference only getting tougher, the Warriors are still searching for a second star to pair with Stephen Curry. That need might outweigh the appeal of a depth-focused trade like this one, even if Hachimura and Knecht are solid pieces.
Meanwhile, another team could be entering the Kuminga sweepstakes. The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly showing interest in the young forward, with an eye toward pairing him with rookie big man Derik Queen.
New Orleans is quietly positioning itself for a youth-driven rebuild, and Kuminga fits that timeline. With Queen and Jeremiah Fears already in the fold, the Pelicans could be ready to move on from veterans like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, or Herb Jones-opening the door for a new core to take shape.
So while the Lakers-Warriors trade proposal is still just a mock for now, it’s the kind of move that reflects where both franchises are at this stage of the season. For the Lakers, it’s about finding the right defensive piece to complement their stars and make a real playoff push. For the Warriors, it’s about balancing the present with the future-and figuring out if they’re ready to pivot or double down on their current path.
And for Kuminga? Whether it’s L.A., New Orleans, or somewhere else entirely, a change of scenery could be just what he needs to finally unlock the player many believe he can become.