Jonathan Kuminga appears increasingly likely to join the Los Angeles Lakers, with a sign-and-trade deal emerging as the remaining realistic path after the Cleveland Cavaliers landed Mario Hezonja.
NBA insider Brett Siegel reported Sunday that, with Hezonja heading to Cleveland, the Lakers have effectively become Kuminga’s lone suitor. Siegel added that he expects Los Angeles to complete a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks centered around forward Jarred Vanderbilt.
If completed, the move would conclude one of the NBA offseason’s longest-running negotiations. The Lakers have consistently pursued Kuminga, with ESPN’s Anthony Slater recently reporting that general manager Rob Pelinka and the organization “keep calling” as they continue exploring ways to acquire the 23-year-old forward.
Because the Lakers lack the salary cap space to sign Kuminga outright, a sign-and-trade has long been viewed as the most practical solution. Previous reporting from Khobi Price indicated Atlanta was open to facilitating such a deal, with Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap among the assets discussed.
Under NBA collective bargaining rules, any sign-and-trade agreement would require Kuminga’s new contract to run at least three seasons, excluding option years, with the first season fully guaranteed.
Los Angeles has already undergone significant changes following LeBron James’ departure in free agency. The Lakers added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney as they reshaped the roster around Luka Doncic.
Even after those additions, the front office has continued searching for an athletic two-way forward capable of complementing Doncic. Kuminga’s size, versatility and ability to attack the rim make him an appealing fit alongside the franchise’s new centerpiece.
Vanderbilt has frequently surfaced in trade discussions because his contract helps satisfy salary-matching requirements. The defensive specialist is owed $12.4 million in 2026-27 and holds a $13.3 million player option for the 2027-28 season, making his deal a logical component of a larger transaction.
Kuminga became available after the Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option following his midseason arrival from the Golden State Warriors. In 16 games with Atlanta, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
The former No. 7 overall pick has averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds over five NBA seasons. His best campaign came with Golden State in 2023-24, when he averaged 16.1 points while shooting 52.9% from the field and established himself as one of the league’s most efficient young scorers around the basket.
