Lakers making bold move for missing link who would complete starting lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking to add to the roster after a busy first few days of free agency.

General manager Rob Pelinka quickly made additions to the roster after half of the starting lineup departed, including four-time NBA champion LeBron James. The deals were headlined by center Walker Kessler’s four-year, $130 million contract.

Though the Lakers were quick to add, there is still speculation surrounding how the new acquisitions will jell on the court.

Pelinka’s efforts to make up for the many departures were noble, but the Lakers have limited cap space with two glaring needs. LA is missing a versatile wing defender.

Jonathan Kuminga could be the solution and he is reportedly interested in signing with the Lakers this summer, according to team insider Jovan Buha.

Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three last season for the Atlanta Hawks. At 23 years old, the forward would infuse youth into the roster and has the potential to develop into a two-way player for the Lakers.

In order for a deal to transpire, the Lakers would need to get creative in freeing up cap space to acquire a player like Kuminga. Currently, the Lakers only have the ability to sign a veteran to the league minimum salary.

Signing Kuminga would require the Lakers to either execute a trade or stretch and waive Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract. The team freed up approximately $2.1 million in cap space by trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and future draft compensation.

With Rui Hachimura joining the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers have no clear backup candidate to sign if the Kuminga deal doesn’t pan out. That’s a scary thought for a team that also needs a backup center after trading Ayton.

The Kuminga deal hinges on some creativity by Pelinka, but could later be seen as a turning point for the Lakers depending on what transpires. If the Lakers land Kuminga, they’re one step closer to contending.

If the Lakers fail to sign a versatile wing defender, the squad goes into the 2026-27 season with an incomplete roster.

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