The Los Angeles Lakers missed their primary target, Jonathan Kuminga, and now face a roster crunch with training camp a month away. Their search for a starting-caliber forward has shifted to the trade market, with former Laker Kyle Kuzma emerging as a potential option.
The Lakers pursued Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga for two months. Despite offering a more lucrative three-year deal worth over $12 million annually, Kuminga chose a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He reportedly wanted the freedom to enter free agency next summer and the opportunity to start alongside Anthony Edwards.
This decision leaves the Lakers with a clear hole at power forward. Their payroll now sits $8.1 million below the $209 million first apron, and they are hard-capped with sixteen players on guaranteed deals. Most available wings and draft assets are already gone, forcing general manager Rob Pelinka to explore other avenues.
With limited flexibility, trade scenarios are the most likely path. Two names have surfaced as possibilities: Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma. Both players are on expiring contracts, which adds a financial incentive for their current teams.
Kuzma, who won the 2020 NBA championship with the Lakers, played in Los Angeles from 2017 to 2021. The 31-year-old is set to make $20.5 million in the final year of his four-year, $90 million deal. Hunter is on a similar expiring contract worth $24.9 million. Acquiring either player would likely cost the Lakers a package including Jaden Hardy, Dalton Knecht, or Jarred Vanderbilt plus draft picks.
Some analysis suggests the next addition might actually be a center, not a wing. The team's pursuit of Walker Kessler depleted resources, and depth behind Kessler and veteran minimum signing Kevon Looney is thin. Cheap trade ideas include Milwaukee's Jericho Sims and Chicago's Jalen Smith, while free agent Dwight Powell remains an option.
The Lakers must trim at least one player from their roster before opening night. The major moves of the offseason, triggered by LeBron James's departure, appear finished. Missing on Kuminga has left the front office sifting through remaining options in August. A Kuzma reunion wouldn't replicate the athleticism of their initial target, but it would add a known rotation piece on a short-term deal. Hunter offers a similar contract with a stronger defensive profile.
Neither move is currently active, but the clock is ticking. The Lakers spent June and July focused on one wing target and now must adapt quickly.
