Why Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers need each other

In one corner, you have the Lakers, who desperately need an athletic wing. 

In the other?

You have an athletic wing who’s desperate to prove himself. 

The Lakers and Jonathan Kuminga need each other. It would be a symbiotic relationship.

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It would infuse the lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler with some explosiveness and speed. And it would give Kuminga a chance to rehabilitate his image after a very public clash with Warriors coach Steve Kerr followed by the Hawks declining to pick up his $24.3 million team option in June.

Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks in action during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images

While Kuminga’s camp rejected the Lakers’ initial two-year, $20 million offer, it behooves both sides to figure something out via a sign-and-trade despite the Lakers’ significant financial constraints. 

After the Lakers overhauled their roster this summer, acquiring nine new players, there are some major holes on the squad. 

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The most glaring? The wing position. 

The Lakers’ starting lineup doesn’t have enough speed. Or defensive power from the perimeter. They need a two-way wing. 

Kuminga is the best player on the market who fits that bill. 

And even though Kuminga’s camp is hoping for something more in the ballpark of $20-$25 million annually, it benefits both parties to reach an agreement. 

After Kuminga was selected by the Warriors as the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, he wanted to become a star. But the Warriors needed him to star in his role on a veteran-laden team that included Steph Curry and Draymond Green. 

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There were times when Kuminga shined, such as when he stepped up in the second round of the 2024 playoffs while Curry was sidelined with an injury, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks in Game 3 of that series. 

New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein defends against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga…

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Publish date : 2026-08-25 22:41:00

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