The Los Angeles Lakers have been the most active team in the NBA this offseason, completely reshaping their roster around superstar Luka Dončić. With one roster spot remaining, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly determined to shore up the team's wing rotation following the departure of veteran star forward LeBron James.
LA has zeroed in on free-agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, and its latest financial offer and recruiting pitch to the 23-year-old have now been revealed. According to multiple reports, Pelinka has improved the team's offer in recent days, offering a two-year, $20 million deal and pitching a likely starting role alongside Dončić. The Lakers believe Kuminga could be the missing piece to their new starting five, which now includes Dončić, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and Kevon Looney.
Lakers' Offseason Roster Overhaul
The Lakers entered the offseason with significant needs after LeBron James opted out of his contract and signed elsewhere. The front office moved quickly, addressing several positions. They upgraded the center rotation by acquiring Walker Kessler in a trade and signing Kevon Looney. They added frontcourt spacing with the signing of Sandro Mamukelashvili. In the backcourt, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy were brought in to back up Dončić and Reaves. These moves left the starting small forward spot as the biggest remaining question mark.
Pelinka and his staff have made it clear that Kuminga is their top target to fill that role. The young wing, selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, possesses elite athleticism, downhill scoring ability, and the physical tools to become a high-impact two-way player. While he is not yet a lockdown defender or a reliable outside shooter, Kuminga's potential is undeniable, especially when paired with a playmaker like Dončić.
Kuminga's Career Highlights and Fit
Jonathan Kuminga spent his first three-plus seasons with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks midway through the 2025-26 season. Across 36 games split between the two teams, he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.0 three-pointers per game, shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. His numbers were slightly down from the previous season, but he showed flashes of the two-way impact that made him a lottery pick.
Kuminga's best stretch came during the 2024-25 season with the Warriors, when he averaged 15.8 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 35% from three. He demonstrated an ability to create his own shot, finish through contact, and defend multiple positions. However, inconsistency and a crowded rotation limited his role. Now, with the Lakers offering a clear path to a starting role, Kuminga could finally realize his potential.
The fit alongside Dončić is particularly intriguing. Dončić is one of the league's elite playmakers, drawing double teams and creating open looks for teammates. Kuminga's athleticism and off-ball movement would allow him to thrive in a system where he can cut to the rim, spot up from deep, and attack closeouts. Defensively, Kuminga's length and quickness could help cover for Dončić's limitations on that end.
Financial Constraints and Market Dynamics
The Lakers are operating under tight financial constraints due to the NBA's salary cap and luxury tax apron. Their offer of a two-year, $20 million deal reflects their limited flexibility. According to reports, Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, have not jumped at the latest offer, believing there are still avenues to better deals as the offseason dominoes continue to fall. Several other teams are reportedly monitoring the situation, but the Lakers' pitch of a likely starting role and the chance to play alongside Dončić is a significant selling point.
The free-agent market for wings has thinned considerably, with many top options already signed. This works in the Lakers' favor, as Kuminga may not find a more attractive combination of role, money, and team situation elsewhere. The Lakers are also hoping that their recent flurry of moves—including the additions of Sexton, Kessler, and Looney—demonstrates their commitment to building a contender around Dončić.
Pelinka has been in close contact with Turner, subtly improving the offer while reiterating Kuminga's importance to the franchise's plans. Multiple members of the Lakers organization, including players, have reached out to Kuminga to express their desire for him to join them. This level of recruitment underscores how much the Lakers value him.
Kuminga's Potential Impact in Los Angeles
If Kuminga signs with the Lakers, he would likely slot into the starting small forward position, flanking Dončić and Reaves. The projected starting lineup would feature Dončić at point guard, Reaves at shooting guard, Kuminga at small forward, with a frontcourt of Kessler and Looney. This lineup offers a balance of playmaking, shooting, defense, and rebounding. Kuminga's ability to play above the rim and finish in transition would be a weapon, while his improved three-point shooting could keep defenses honest.
The Lakers also have depth options like Sexton, Grimes, and Hardy off the bench, giving them a versatile rotation. Kuminga's development into a reliable two-way wing would be crucial for the Lakers' long-term success, especially after the departure of LeBron James. The team is now built around the Dončić-Reaves duo, and adding a young, athletic wing like Kuminga could provide the missing piece for a deep playoff run.
Historically, players with Kuminga's skillset have flourished alongside elite playmakers. Comparisons have been drawn to Andrew Wiggins' resurgence with the Warriors or Anunoby's impact with the Knicks. If Kuminga can embrace a complementary role and continue to improve his outside shot, he could become a key contributor on a championship contender.
Other Notable Lakers Offseason Moves
Beyond the pursuit of Kuminga, the Lakers have made several other notable additions. Walker Kessler, acquired from the Utah Jazz, provides elite shot-blocking and rebounding at the center position. Kevon Looney brings championship experience and screening ability. Sandro Mamukelashvili adds floor spacing as a stretch big. In the backcourt, Collin Sexton offers scoring punch, Quentin Grimes provides perimeter defense, and Jaden Hardy gives youthful energy.
The team also saw the departure of key players from last season, including LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, who reportedly agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers. The Lakers' roster now features a mix of veterans and young players, all centered around Dončić, who is reportedly excited about the moves the front office has made.
The Lakers' front office has been praised for its aggressive approach, but questions remain about the team's overall ceiling. The loss of LeBron James is significant, but if Kuminga can develop into a star-level player, the Lakers could remain a playoff contender in the Western Conference.
Conclusion Natural End
As the offseason continues, all eyes are on the Lakers' final roster spot. Pelinka's improved offer to Kuminga suggests that the organization is confident in his potential to be a long-term building block. The decision now rests with Kuminga: whether to accept the Lakers' offer and embrace a starring role alongside Dončić, or wait for a potentially better deal elsewhere. The outcome will significantly shape the Lakers' trajectory in the post-LeBron era.
Source: Yahoo Sports News