The Los Angeles Lakers and free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga have mutual interest, according to Jovan Buha. The franchise is working behind the scenes to secure Kuminga as its next wing addition.
Kuminga became available after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, making the former lottery pick an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers have identified him as a potential fit because of his age, defensive versatility and ability to play multiple perimeter positions.
Los Angeles is entering a new roster era after a major offseason reshaping that included the departure of LeBron James and the acquisition of center Walker Kessler. The Lakers are looking to balance their core around Luka Doncic with younger two-way players capable of improving their defensive profile.
Doncic carried the offense during the 2025-26 season, averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 64 games while earning All-NBA First Team recognition. Austin Reaves also had a career season, posting 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game in 51 appearances.
Despite finishing fourth in the Western Conference at 53-29, the Lakers were eliminated in the conference semifinals after a 4-0 sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kuminga spent part of last season with the Golden State Warriors before being moved to Atlanta in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State. In 16 games with the Hawks, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.1 minutes per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
Over his five-year NBA career, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.1 minutes per game. His best season came in 2023-24, when he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 52.9% from the field for Golden State.
Los Angeles also added Quentin Grimes on a four-year, $60 million contract, Sandro Mamukelashvili on a four-year, $52 million deal and Collin Sexton on a two-year, $19 million contract while re-signing Reaves to a four-year, $184.8 million extension.
