Lakers Could Finally End Jonathan Kuminga Saga as Market Dries Up

After the Cleveland Cavaliers made their big move for a forward in Peyton Watson, free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga’s options are getting limited, with the Lakers in the driver’s seat.

At this point, it is fair to call the entire Kuminga free agency a saga, given its many twists and turns at this point.

Kuminga had a slow-developing market at first, but the Lakers have been involved from the jump. LA reached out to Kuminga on the first day of free agency, according to reports.

From then on, Kuminga’s status as a free agent hit a lull, at least until the Lakers’ interest heated up again.

Oct 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to drive against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

The Lakers were ready to do a sign-and-trade to free up money for Kuminga after he wanted more than a two-year, $20 million contract, but his former team, the Atlanta Hawks, had little interest in what the Lakers could offer, and even then, Kuminga was not ecstatic about the Lakers’ offer either.

This led to a stalemate, where other teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves entered the picture.

However, after the Cavs’ trade for Peyton Watson, Cleveland is no longer a reasonable option.

Watson signed a four-year, $88 million deal after a massive sign-and-trade, but it leaves the Cavs with minimal assets and no real room to give Kuminga a notable deal.

Now, it is between the Wolves and Lakers for Kuminga, with other teams possibly entering the mix, like the Clippers.

In the end, the Hawks could also re-sign Kuminga, but given how much money they have tied up already and how many forwards are on the roster, that seems unlikely.

Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesWhy are the Lakers waiting for Kuminga

The Lakers need a starting forward, and while Kuminga is still a project with unrealized potential, he would fit the bill well for their roster.

He adds size, solid rebounding, and the ability to defend and create off the dribble.

In the end, the Lakers are left waiting to see if they can develop a player with massive talent like Kuminga. The team’s roster is mostly set now, but adding Kuminga would be the cherry on top of a successful rebuild.

For the amount of money that the Lakers can spend, there are few better options than the former Warriors lottery pick.

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