Lakers Pursue Kuminga in Free Agency: Salary Cap Challenges and Trade Options Explained

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, though significant financial hurdles remain in finalizing a deal.

Despite mutual interest between the 23-year-old Kuminga and the organization, contract negotiations have stalled over salary expectations. After the Atlanta Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option on June 29, Lakers President of Basketball Operations/GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with him the next day. The Lakers pitched Kuminga as a cornerstone wing to complement superstar Luka Doncic, aligning with their offseason plan to re-sign Austin Reaves (four years, $185 million) and acquire center Walker Kessler (four years, $130 million) via sign-and-trade.

However, the Lakers’ initial offer fell short of their publicized vision. Entering free agency with approximately $52 million in cap space, they allocated funds for multiple signings on July 2, including Kessler, Quentin Grimes ($60 million), Sandro Mamukelashvili ($52 million), and Collin Sexton ($19 million). Subsequent moves, such as trading Deandre Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy and draft picks, and signing Kevon Looney to a veteran-minimum deal, further restricted their flexibility. As of now, the Lakers have one open roster spot and limited cap room while continuing talks with Kuminga’s representatives.

The team has improved its offer to average $10 million annually—below the salaries of Grimes and Mamukelashvili—and below what Kuminga’s camp anticipated. To bridge the gap, a sign-and-trade with Atlanta could be pivotal. The Hawks are reportedly open to a deal where Kuminga joins L.A. in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt (two years, $25.7 million remaining) and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap. Vanderbilt, under contract through 2027-28 with a player option, is among the players the Lakers are willing to move to create additional roster flexibility.

Cleveland has also entered the mix, showing interest in Kuminga. The Lakers project to operate $33.7 million below the $209 million first-apron threshold upon finalizing all current agreements.

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