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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jonathan Kuminga remains an unrestricted free agent as the team shapes its roster around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and recently acquired center Walker Kessler, according to reporting by the New York Post. The Lakers and Kuminga share mutual interest, and team president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka alongside coach JJ Redick met with the 23-year-old forward after free agency opened in late June.
Contract Discussions and Roster Realities
According to sources cited by the New York Post, a deal has not been finalized because the Lakers and Kuminga’s camp have not agreed on a mutually satisfactory salary. The most realistic mechanism for acquiring the former No. 7 draft pick would involve a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, where Kuminga recently played after spending time with the Golden State Warriors from 2021 to 2026. No tangible progress has occurred over a two-week stretch, leaving the Lakers’ offseason pursuits temporarily on hold.
Eastern Conference Competition for Kuminga
The Cleveland Cavaliers also hold significant interest in securing Kuminga, according to league sources. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson previously coached Kuminga as an assistant with the Warriors from 2021 to 2024.
Lakers Contingency Plans and Market Options
Because securing Kuminga carries no guarantees, the Lakers are exploring alternative avenues to fortify their forward depth. Free-agent options on the market include Ochai Agbaji and Trendon Watford, though neither player fills a starting-level forward role alongside Doncic, Reaves, Kessler, and Quentin Grimes. Washington, but according to the New York Post, the fully guaranteed $88.8 million remaining on Washington’s four-year contract does not appeal to the Lakers’ front office.
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