Lakers' Trade Idea for Jonathan Kuminga Revealed as Clippers Enter the Race

Despite already exceeding the allowed roster size, the Los Angeles Lakers don't seem to be done making moves on their roster. According to recent reports, the Lakers are interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga. Previously playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Kuminga is currently an unrestricted free agent.

NBA insiders Mike Scotto and Khobi Price reported that the Lakers plan to secure Kuminga via a sign-and-trade with the Hawks. The pitch is trading Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick for the forward. However, the Hawks don't seem to be keen on the idea.

"The Lakers and Hawks discussed a sign-and-trade sending Jonathan Kuminga to LA in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap," as per Scotto and Price. "Atlanta has been resistant to absorbing Vanderbilt’s $13.29 million salary for the 2027-28 season, which is a player option, since it’s viewed as a negative asset given the money still guaranteed on his deal."

The Lakers might need to act quickly to convince the Hawks to push through with the deal. This is because the LA Clippers have recently expressed interest in acquiring Kuminga via a sign-and-trade as well.

"The Clippers are interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade," Scotto reported.

As of this writing, the Clippers don't have a specific offer for Kuminga and the Hawks. However, if they do end up with a more enticing deal, they could beat the Lakers in the Kuminga sweepstakes.

Lakers' Alternative Offers For Jonathan Kuminga

Given the current circumstances, the Los Angeles Lakers might need to make a few tweaks to their trade package if they want to entice both the Atlanta Hawks and Jonathan Kuminga. Some reports suggested a trade package that could work better.

According to sources, replacing Jarred Vanderbilt with Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy would be a more sensible option. There are rumors that the Lakers are actively shopping Knecht. If they intend to trade him anyway, it makes sense to use him as part of the trade package for Kuminga.

Other reports suggest that if the offer is still too low for both Kuminga and the Hawks, there's a broader and more enticing deal the Lakers could negotiate. On top of Knecht and Hardy, LA could throw in Bronny James and a 2032 first-round pick. However, that seems unlikely to happen.

There have been reports that LA is likely to trade Bronny to the team that his father, LeBron James, decides to sign with this offseason. As of this writing, we are still waiting for LeBron's free agency decision, which means Bronny's future in LA also remains a blur.

If Kuminga does end up with the Lakers this offseason, he isn't entirely going into unfamiliar territory. His former Golden State Warriors teammate Kevon Looney recently joined the squad.