Should the Lakers Trade for Jonathan Kuminga?

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Should the Lakers Trade for Jonathan Kuminga?

Originally posted on TWSN | By Garret Staples | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 11:13 AM ET

Should the Lakers Trade for Jonathan Kuminga?

The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing Jonathan Kuminga with the Atlanta Hawks in a sign-and-trade, per multiple reports.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a huge void to fill at the small forward position with future Hall of Fame 4 time NBA champion LeBron James leaving in free agency. The Lakers must find a way to replace James’ production of 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. With James’ departure, this is officially the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles.

The Lakers need to build around Doncic and mask his defensive deficiencies with athletic two-way players with defensive prowess. Jonathan Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks decided to decline his team option worth $24.3 million. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they need to get more athletic on the wing. Adding Jonathan Kuminga is a much-needed addition to soften the blow from the departure of LeBron James. In 16 games with the Hawks, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per Yahoo Sports.

Jonathan Kuminga prefers to end up on the Lakers whose pitch has been based around him starting next to Luka Doncic and rewarding him next year, per @JakeLFischer

(h/t @AustinThreeves) pic.twitter.com/qoBmCCCSTK
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 25, 2026

The Lakers Are challenged Without 1^st-round Picks

Via Yahoo Sports: “The Lakers now have no tradeable first-round draft picks over the next 7 years after this sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler,” reported Brett Siegel. “Los Angeles is now also committed to [$480] million between Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler.” The Lakers have one arm tied behind their back without a tradeable first-round pick. Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka must become creative in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga.

Some of the sign-and-trade scenarios the Lakers have posed to Atlanta per Yahoo Sports: “Jaden Hardy, who was acquired by the Lakers from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Deandre Ayton, has reportedly been discussed in the sign-and-trade talks. He is making $6 million this season. Jarred Vanderbilt, who makes $12.4 million, has also been discussed, but his salary number is likely too high for Atlanta.

Atlanta is looking for draft compensation in return. The Lakers don’t have any outright tradeable first-round picks after giving up two firsts and swaps to the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler. Rob Pelinka must become creative with compensation to land Kuminga and round out the Lakers frontcourt to compete in a deep Western Conference Division that continues to be a gauntlet.

This article first appeared on TWSN and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: