Report: Momentum Has ‘Stalled’ Between Lakers and Jonathan Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers have been heavily linked to free agent Jonathan Kuminga this offseason, but it appears that folks may need to pump the brakes on the idea that the former lottery pick will end up wearing purple and gold.

According to a report from Dan Woike of The Athletic, momentum has seemingly stalled between the two sides.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be a team to watch for Kuminga if he doesn't land with L.A.

"The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios," wrote Woike. "Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers."

After losing future Hall of Famer LeBron James this offseason, the Lakers could use some wing help, and Kuminga is an intriguing option.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga hasn't exactly panned out like many expected, but he is still just 23 years old and may be able to reach another level in the NBA.

After spending his first several pro seasons with the Golden State Warriors, he was moved to the Atlanta Hawks during the 2025-26 campaign. Overall, he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game between the two teams while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

He didn't do enough for the Hawks to exercise his contract option for the 2026-27 season, but he evidently did do enough to attract a bit of a market this offseason around the NBA.

If he doesn't land with the Lakers, the Cavs could prove to be a good fit for him. Cleveland has long needed help at the wing spot, and the team has had a pretty quiet summer, which it certainly can't be satisfied with after being dominated in the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.

But like many other teams around the NBA, the Cavs may be waiting for a resolution to the James sweepstakes before proceeding. Cleveland is firmly in the mix for the NBA's all-time leading scorer, but there is no telling where he will ultimately land.

Regardless, the Kuminga situation is one to watch for a number of teams, including the Lakers, even if momentum has stalled. Wherever the wing lands, the Hawks may be involved in the transaction.