Lakers Enter the Kuminga Sweepstakes, But Kings Still in the Driver’s Seat
The chase for Jonathan Kuminga just got a little more crowded.
For weeks, the Sacramento Kings had been quietly - and seriously - pursuing the 23-year-old Golden State Warriors forward. Kuminga, an NBA champion in 2022 and one of the league’s most explosive young wings, has long been viewed as a potential cornerstone piece for a team looking to build around high-upside talent. Sacramento, in the midst of a full rebuild, saw him as a natural fit.
But now, there’s a new player at the table.
According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have initiated exploratory trade talks with the Warriors regarding Kuminga. While the discussions have been brief, the Lakers are reportedly willing to offer a package centered around the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, plus a 2032 second-round pick.
Let’s be clear: Golden State isn’t biting - at least not yet.
From the Warriors’ perspective, the Lakers’ offer doesn’t move the needle. Expiring contracts and a second-rounder nearly a decade away aren’t exactly the kind of assets that would pry away a 23-year-old with All-Star potential. Golden State may be retooling, but they’re not in the business of giving away young talent for the sake of cap relief or distant draft flyers.
That’s where Sacramento still holds the advantage.
The Kings have real, usable assets they’re willing to put on the table. Players like Malik Monk and Keon Ellis - both of whom bring value on the court right now - could be part of a deal. Sacramento is also open to including draft capital, which is typically the currency that gets these kinds of trades across the finish line.
The key difference between the two franchises in this situation comes down to flexibility and urgency. The Lakers, still trying to stay in the hunt with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, are understandably hesitant to part with any core contributors. Their window to win is now, but that also limits their willingness to gamble on young players who may not be ready to contribute immediately.
The Kings, on the other hand, are playing the long game. They’re not worried about short-term wins.
They’re focused on acquiring foundational pieces who can grow into stars - and Kuminga fits that mold. That kind of mindset gives Sacramento more freedom to engage in meaningful trade discussions, and more incentive to meet Golden State’s asking price.
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Lakers’ interest adds a wrinkle to the equation, but it doesn’t necessarily change the landscape. Golden State knows what it has in Kuminga - a dynamic wing with elite athleticism, defensive upside, and a growing offensive game. They’re not going to let him go for pennies on the dollar.
So while Los Angeles may have entered the conversation, Sacramento remains the most credible suitor - and the team best positioned to actually get a deal done. Whether that happens in the next week or not remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the market for Jonathan Kuminga is heating up.