The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering a reunion with a former NBA champion after missing out on a potential trade for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. This comes as the team looks to address its roster following a tough stretch, including a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026. Their recent form shows just one win in their last five outings, with four consecutive losses.
What trade target are the Lakers linked with?
While the original source article's content was inaccessible due to a security verification, the headline indicates the Lakers' interest shifted after a 'Jonathan Kuminga miss.' The specific former champion is not named in the available information. Trade speculation in the NBA often follows this pattern, where one door closing leads scouts and front offices to pivot quickly to another option. The Lakers' front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, is known for its aggressive pursuit of veteran talent to surround its core stars.
This approach has defined their team-building strategy for several seasons. They have consistently valued experienced players who have proven they can perform on the league's biggest stage. A player with a championship pedigree would fit that established profile perfectly. The identity of this potential target is the key unanswered question from the initial report.
Why does the Lakers' recent form matter?
The team's current situation adds urgency to any roster moves. The Los Angeles Lakers' record in their last five games is 1 win and 4 losses. They lost their last four contests in a row. That difficult run was capped by the 110-115 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Analyzing this slump is essential for understanding the front office's mindset.
Are the issues related to perimeter defense, three-point shooting, or interior scoring? Each loss likely highlighted a specific area needing improvement. Fans can review the team's full schedule and results on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Persistent problems during a losing streak often accelerate trade discussions before the deadline. The front office may feel compelled to make a change to stop the slide and improve playoff positioning.
What comes next for the Lakers?
The immediate next step is identifying the feasible trade target and constructing a viable offer. The Lakers possess limited trade assets, which makes any deal complex. They would likely need to package a combination of young players, draft picks, and salary-matching contracts to acquire a significant player. The other team's motivation to deal is another major factor.
Rob Pelinka will be working the phones to gauge the market. He will also be consulting with head coach JJ Redick and the core players about potential fits. The outcome of these talks will determine if a deal materializes before the next deadline. For now, the Lakers must focus on halting their losing streak with the current roster. Player availability and health updates can be tracked on our [injuries](/injuries) section. The pressure is on to turn their season around quickly.
