With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the Los Angeles Lakers are firmly in the mix-but whether they’ll pull the trigger on a deal remains one of the league’s biggest question marks.
What we do know is this: the Lakers are working the phones and keeping tabs on nearly every defensive-minded wing available. According to league sources, they’ve shown interest in several names, including Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga, the Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr., and Chicago’s Isaac Okoro.
Let’s break that down.
Kuminga is the most intriguing name here. At 6-foot-7 with championship experience, he’s got the physical tools and upside that make front offices take notice.
But his role in Golden State has never quite materialized the way many thought it would. Despite flashes of brilliance, Kuminga’s fit with the Warriors’ system has been inconsistent-and with the deadline looming, it’s unclear whether Golden State will actually move him.
If they don’t, it could be a tough blow for the 23-year-old, who may benefit more from a fresh start than another stint on the Dubs’ bench.
Los Angeles could offer that clean slate. The Lakers are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race and could use another athletic, switchable defender on the wing.
Kuminga fits that mold, and while his shooting remains a work in progress-he’s hitting just 32.1% from beyond the arc this season-there’s still plenty of room for growth. In a new environment with a clearly defined role, there’s potential for him to thrive.
Then there’s Derrick Jones Jr., another defensive-minded wing who’s currently sidelined with an injury. He brings elite athleticism and length, but his contract could complicate things for a Lakers team trying to preserve future cap flexibility. The same goes for Isaac Okoro, who’s shown flashes as a stopper on the perimeter but would also eat into next summer’s cap space.
That’s the tightrope the Lakers are walking. They want to improve now-but not at the cost of limiting their options down the road.
That’s why a player like Kuminga, whose contract includes a team option next season, might be more appealing. He offers upside without locking the Lakers into a long-term financial commitment.
It all comes down to timing and opportunity. If the Warriors decide to keep Kuminga past the deadline, he may remain stuck in a role that doesn’t maximize his strengths. But if the Lakers can make a move before the buzzer, they could land a young, athletic wing with the potential to grow into a valuable rotation piece-maybe even more.
The clock’s ticking, and the Lakers are in the hunt. Whether they make a deal or not, expect them to stay aggressive right up until the final minute.