The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a serious suitor for Golden State Warriors wing Jonathan Kuminga.
After insider Jake Fischer reported earlier this week about the Lakers’ trade interest in Kuminga, The Athletic’s Sam Amick has now corroborated the story, while noting that the Warriors are aware of “the intrigue” the Lakers have for the Congolese forward.
Amick noted that there have been no talks between the teams on Kuminga.
“League and team sources confirmed a report that the Lakers have some interest in Kuminga, though it remains unclear if talks will unfold,” Amick reported on Thursday, the day when Kuminga officially became trade-eligible.
“The Warriors, the sources said, are aware of the intrigue and waiting to see how that situation evolves.”
Lakers Trade Target: Kuminga
Fischer’s earlier report claimed that the Lakers reached out to the Warriors during Kuminga’s restricted free agency last year, but never made an offer.
“…The Lakers, according to sources, did call Golden State about Kuminga during the sides summer standoff in restricted free agency,” Fischer reported on his Substack. “I’m told that the Lakers have likewise continued to monitor Kuminga’s situation while casting a wide net try to find help on a very limited wing market.”
In a subsequent Bleacher Report stream, Fischer noted that Kuminga remains on the shortlist of Lakers trade targets ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
“The Lakers are continuing to look at all options on the 3-and-D wing market right now, and they’re not finding many. So, of course, Jonathan Kuminga is on their list. But I think for either team to get him, they’re going to need to find some type of three-team arrangement.”
Lakers Trade Deadline Plans
The Lakers, who rank 23rd in 3P% and 24th in defensive rating, could use shooting and defense by the NBA trade deadline. Kuminga doesn’t necessarily bring either at a consistent level, but he has flashed enough potential in Golden State to have scouts still believe in him. Furthermore, he’s a low-risk, high-reward prospect for the Lakers, who could simply waive the Team Option for 2026-27 if they feel he’s not the right fit.
If the Lakers can snag Kuminga for a package built on Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht, it may be an intriguing haul for two expiring contracts and a former first-round pick who’s nearly out of the rotation.
Besides the expiring deals Hachimura, Vincent and Maxi Kleber, the Lakers have one first-round pick they can use in trades ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. Those assets have reportedly garnered little interest since trade season began on Dec. 15.
“…There isn’t a market for virtually any of their players, including Rui Hachimura on an expiring $18.2 million contract,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported on Dec. 12. “With limited options out there, the only way to move some of their contracts, both expiring and non-expiring, would be attaching draft picks, which Los Angeles doesn’t have many of.”
The Lakers (24-14) have lost three of their last four games. JJ Redick’s team will host thje Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night.
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