The latest Jonathan Kuminga Lakers trade rumors suggest the Lakers have moved closer to the 23-year-old forward, but the deal is still far from complete. Los Angeles has reportedly improved its offer to around $10 million a year, yet a sign-and-trade with the Hawks would still be needed to get it over the line.
That matters because the Lakers have already used much of the cap space they entered the offseason with. They still want to add Kuminga, but their financial flexibility is now limited and they only have one open roster spot, which makes every step of the process more complicated.
Why Kuminga remains a target
The Lakers pursued Jonathan Kuminga last summer when he was a restricted free agent, and their interest has clearly carried into this offseason. The attraction is obvious: they view him as a starting wing, someone who could fit into the next version of the roster around Luka Doncic.
That is why the negotiation has become more than a simple contract discussion. For the Lakers, Kuminga is not just another name on the board. He is a player they believe can help shape the team’s balance, especially after the club committed significant resources elsewhere.
The sign-and-trade question
On June 29, the Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, and that has helped create the framework for the current market. By Wednesday afternoon, the Lakers and Jonathan Kuminga were still far apart on a deal, even after Los Angeles raised its offer to around $10 million annually.
But the money is only part of the story. The Lakers would still need a sign-and-trade with the Hawks to complete a move, which means the trade structure matters as much as the salary figure. In other words, this is not simply about whether the Lakers want Kuminga. It is about whether they can assemble the necessary mechanics to make the deal work.
What happens next
Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick met with Jonathan Kuminga on June 30, showing how seriously the Lakers are treating the possibility. Rob Pelinka also stayed in touch with Aaron Turner last week, another sign that the conversation has not gone away.
The next step will be decisive. If the Lakers can bridge the gap on terms and complete the sign-and-trade route, Kuminga could become one of the more important additions in their rebuild around Luka Doncic. If not, the Lakers may have to keep searching with very little financial room left to manoeuvre.
