Lakers could solve Warriors' problems with Jonathan Kuminga trade

The Los Angeles Lakers may not have what they need to keep up with other powerhouses in the Western Conference.

As such, they’re expected to be an active team before the Feb. 5 trade deadline once again. JJ Redick’s squad could use some improvements at the point of attack, with the team’s defensive miscues as the most significant talking point of the season. With that in mind, they could target an intriguing three-and-D wing like Jonathan Kuminga, whose days with the Golden State Warriors look all but over.

Lakers could be interested in Jonathan Kuminga

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers were among a handful of teams that reached out to the Warriors in the summer regarding Kuminga’s availability.

"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 try to find help on a very limited wing market," Fischer wrote. 

Kuminga has been in and out of Steve Kerr’s rotation, and he has never hidden his discomfort with the situation. The former lottery pick has the potential and physical tools to be an elite two-way player, but the consistency and the playing time haven’t been there. Whether he’ll be able to flourish next to three ball-dominant players like Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves remains to be seen, but it doesn’t sound likely, either.