The Los Angeles Lakers’ inability to land Jonathan Kuminga could create additional opportunities for several players already on the roster heading into the 2026-27 season.
Los Angeles is not expected to make another major addition before training camp, meaning the fifth starting position alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and presumably Quentin Grimes will likely be filled internally.
Jake LaRavia appears to have the clearest opportunity. The forward played all 82 regular-season games last year and logged 2,061 minutes, trailing only Doncic among Lakers players. His role could have decreased considerably had Kuminga arrived.
Instead, LaRavia should enter training camp with an opportunity to compete for the final starting spot after averaging a career-high 25.1 minutes last season.
The upcoming year is especially important because he is entering the final season of his contract before potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Adou Thiero could benefit as well. The 6-foot-8 forward does not possess Kuminga’s offensive polish, but his size, athleticism and quickness give the Lakers another physical option on the wing.
After spending much of his rookie campaign in the G League and dealing with injuries, Thiero could earn additional minutes as a rebounder, lob threat and defender against bigger forwards.
Jarred Vanderbilt is another player who could receive more opportunities, particularly if Thiero is not ready for a larger role.
Vanderbilt appeared in 65 regular-season games and seven playoff contests last season despite not consistently being part of the rotation when the Lakers were healthy.
