The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly expressed interest in forward Jonathan Kuminga, potentially allowing the Congolese star to play alongside Luka Doncic. Kuminga, whose $24.3 million qualifying offer was declined by the Atlanta Hawks for the upcoming season, has been weighing his options and is reportedly more receptive to joining the Lakers than several other potential suitors.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Lakers insider Jovan Buha said Los Angeles is expected to be among the teams pursuing Kuminga. When asked, “Do you think Jonathan Kuminga has mutual interest in L.A.?” Buha responded:
“I do think so. I think Kuminga, if you look at the current market, there are not many guys in the Kuminga range in terms of price point and upside. A lot of teams need forwards and wings right now, so I think he’s going to have a market.”
Buha then pointed out that Kuminga has been “a victim of the LeBron James sweepstakes,” adding that it is making things a bit more difficult for him in the market right now.
“There’s this issue, and we saw it holding up Rui as well, that all these teams are waiting on LeBron. So again, if you’re Minnesota, would you rather have LeBron or Kuminga? You’d rather have LeBron, even if it’s a short-term thing versus the long-term thing.
“Kuminga is kind of a victim right now of the LeBron sweepstakes, and that is freezing things to a degree. My understanding is yes, there’s mutual interest. There’s a chance something gets worked out here. It’s just a matter of how L.A. moves the money around.”
According to Buha, there is mutual interest between Kuminga and the Lakers, although any potential deal may depend on LA creating the necessary financial flexibility to make it happen. Nevertheless, it’s fascinating to hear that there’s “mutual interest” between both the Lakers and Kuminga.
Why The Lakers Make Sense For Jonathan Kuminga
Simply put, the Los Angeles Lakers have an opportunity to add one of the league’s most intriguing young talents. Players like Jonathan Kuminga don’t become available very often, especially when their current team’s financial situation makes it difficult to retain them.
With the Lakers potentially moving on from LeBron James and already parting ways with Rui Hachimura in free agency, the team is in a position where it needs to add more size, athleticism, and versatility to its forward rotation. Kuminga immediately addresses those needs while also bringing significant long-term upside.
Kuminga has also enjoyed success against the Lakers during his time with the Golden State Warriors. In his last seven games against LA, he averaged 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting 48.2% from the field and 44% from three-point range.
If the Lakers are serious about competing in both the short- and long-term, investing in Kuminga makes plenty of sense. He has the potential to become a cornerstone alongside the team’s current stars, and acquiring him shouldn’t necessarily require dismantling the Lakers’ existing core to the point where they can’t make additional impactful moves.
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