The LA Lakers have been linked to Herb Jones ahead of the February trade deadline, but that deal seems unlikely with each passing day. The New Orleans Pelicans have been uncertain about trading the former All-Defensive Team wing. Even if they change their stance, the Lakers don’t appear to have the kind of package New Orleans might demand for Jones.
Amid these issues, LA is eyeing a wild move for Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. The former lottery pick’s time in the Bay Area is likely heading to an end after being heavily involved in trade rumors during multiple windows. According to insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers have checked in on Kuminga during the offseason and have maintained their interest.
“The purple-and-gold’s known preference at this deadline is to acquire a true 3-and-D wing with size if possible to provide some point-of-attack resistance on the perimeter as well as some shooting, but it must be said the Lakers, according to sources, did call Golden State about Kuminga during the sides’ summer standoff in restricted free agency I’m told that the Lakers have likewise continued to monitor Kuminga’s situation while casting a wide net to try to find help on a very limited wing market.”
The Lakers are one of the most unathletic teams in the NBA on the perimeter. Barring LeBron James and Jarred Vanderbilt, there aren’t many explosive players on the Purple and Gold. Jonathan Kuminga can help resolve those issues. Despite his shortcomings, the 6-foot-7 forward has been one of the most impressive athletes in the NBA since his debut.
Kuminga would also fit nicely next to Luka Doncic. Additionally, he can add more scoring depth to the Lakers, who need that support around their stars.
A direct trade for Jonathan Kuminga may not be on the cards for the Lakers
The Lakers can logically make a direct trade for Jonathan Kuminga with the Warriors. He’s making $22.5 million this year, which is easy to match. However, it’s unlikely that it happens. The Warriors are dangling Kuminga’s contract for major upgrades, and LA doesn’t have what Golden State would need in return for the Jamaican forward’s contract.
The Warriors are eyeing players like Michael Porter Jr. and Trey Murphy III, who are better and more well-rounded than Rui Hachimura, the centerpiece of a trade deal between LA and Golden State for Kuminga.
The Lakers would also look to preserve one of their tradeable firsts in 2031 or 2032 for a better upgrade than Kuminga in the offseason. Nevertheless, it doesn’t completely end the Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga. They can still be part of a multi-team trade in which Kuminga gets rerouted to the Lakers.
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