Lakers to Target Luka Doncic's Ex-Mavs Teammate in Free Agency After Jonathan Kuminga Heartbreak, Per Reports

Despite already going beyond the regular-season limit of 15 players, the Los Angeles Lakers are still looking to bring in more talent for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Earlier this summer, they intended to bring in Jonathan Kuminga. The fit made obvious sense. With LeBron James gone to Philadelphia, the Lakers had a clear opening at power forward, and Kuminga's athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to score in transition addressed exactly what the roster was missing around Doncic and Reaves.

However, the deal fell through because the Lakers were not offering Kuminga contract flexibility. The issue came down to structure, not money. Because the deal required a sign-and-trade through Atlanta, the Lakers were bound by CBA rules that prevented them from offering a contract shorter than three years without an option. Minnesota, operating outside of a sign-and-trade, was able to offer Kuminga a two-year deal with a second-year player option, giving him the ability to hit free agency again next summer if he plays well.

According to Kuminga's agent Aaron Turner, locking in at roughly $12 million annually over three years going into a player's prime was not a structure his client was willing to accept. "If you're going to tie somebody up three years going into their prime as a starting wing, locking in at $12 million in this NBA is pretty decently below the midlevel," Turner said. Kuminga ultimately signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he is projected to start alongside Anthony Edwards.

Having that in mind, the Lakers are still on the hunt for another piece that can help Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. According to NBA insider Khobi Price, the Lakers are now targeting Doncic's former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Dwight Powell.

"The most significant option for the Lakers could be Dwight Powell, the 6-10, 35-year-old big man who was teammates with Doncic for 6 ½ seasons in Dallas," Price reported, quote reposted by Yahoo! Sports. "Notably, Powell has played the most games as a teammate alongside Doncic (389) among the 98 players Doncic has played alongside in his eight-year NBA career."

If the Lakers manage to sign Powell, this could be a great deal for the team. Not only are they getting a player who's familiar with Doncic, but they could also save some cash.

Powell's value to LA isn't built on scoring. It's built on chemistry and familiarity. Playing alongside Doncic longer than anyone else in the league, Powell understands his tendencies, his spots, and how to function within his system without eating into his rhythm.

Powell finished a three-year, $12 million contract with the Mavericks. Given how his numbers haven't necessarily skyrocketed within those three years, it's unlikely that his value will go up. There's even a chance that the Lakers could get him for cheaper.

For now, everything remains to be seen. No reports of the Lakers offering Powell a deal have come to light yet.

Former NBA Champion Emerges as One of Lakers' Top Free Agent Targets

Despite the reports of Dwight Powell being the Los Angeles Lakers' top priority among free agents, a former NBA champion has also emerged as one of the team's targets. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Bruce Brown could sign with the Lakers this summer.

"Yeah, I mean, things are going well. We’re hoping to get a deal done soon. We’re letting the Lakers work through a few things and figure out some of the details, but I’m excited to get to work. This is an elite team with an elite player in Luka Dončić, so I can’t wait to get started," per Fischer, quote reposted by NBA insider Marc Jacobs.

Brown previously helped Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets bring home their first title in 2023. During that championship run, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in the playoffs while shooting 51.1% from the field, playing the role of a connective, switchable defender who could guard multiple positions and keep the offense moving without demanding the ball.

Brown's championship experience could prove to be useful to the Lakers, especially since they're trying to remain contenders in the Western Conference even after LeBron James' departure.

Last season back in Denver, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting a career-best 38.5% from three across all 82 games, showing he can still contribute in a complementary role.

Most teams have been approaching him as a veteran minimum signing, which puts him squarely in the Lakers' price range.

While the Lakers already acquired notable players like Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, it appears that the Lakers will do everything in their power to surround Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with the right pieces in order for them to flourish in the upcoming season.