The Lakers are trying all they can to land Kuminga.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear this offseason that surrounding Luka Dončić with players who suit his skill set is the main goal for their summer plans.
That is why the continued rumors connecting Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers have generated so much interest. However, if recent reports are accurate, L.A. may have hit its first significant obstacle in making that happen.
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Atlanta Hawks have resisted a trade package centered on forward Jarred Vanderbilt. Stein noted that Vanderbilt would likely need to be included in any potential sign-and-trade, while Fischer added that the Lakers do not appear eager to move the defensive specialist.
If both sides remain firm in their positions, the deal could be headed toward a standstill.
Kuminga Fits What the Lakers Need
From a basketball standpoint, it's easy to understand why the Lakers would pursue Kuminga. At just 23 years old, he possesses the size, athleticism and defensive versatility that ethis roster is desperate for after losing Rui Hachimura to the Clippers and soon to be LeBron James when he decides what team he wants to play for in his 24th season.
His ability to defend multiple positions and attack the rim, plus being a high flyer would complement Dončić and Austin Reaves, two offensive stars who benefit from having lengthy wings capable of covering difficult defensive assignments.
Kuminga also brings more offensive upside than Vanderbilt. While Vanderbilt has established himself as one of the league's better perimeter defenders when healthy, opposing defenses have consistently ignored him on the offensive end as an inconsistent 3-point shooter (shot 29% from 3 last season).
Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. That has limited his minutes during crucial stretches, particularly in playoff settings where spacing becomes increasingly important.
Kuminga is far from a finished product, but his scoring ability gives him a higher ceiling. If he continues developing as a shooter and decision-maker, he could become exactly the type of two-way forward L.A. has lacked in recent seasons.
Luka Doncic (77) looks to drive against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Should the Lakers Move Vanderbilt?
That doesn't necessarily mean the Lakers should rush into a deal.
Vanderbilt remains one of the team's best defenders and has proven capable of disrupting elite scorers when healthy. The bigger concern has been availability. Injuries have limited his impact over the last several seasons, making it difficult for the coaching staff to rely on him consistently.
Still, the Lakers also shouldn't overvalue him if Kuminga is truly available. Players with Kuminga's physical tools rarely become obtainable, especially at his age. While acquiring him would likely require some financial flexibility and additional assets, the long-term upside may outweigh the risk.
Jonathan Kuminga (00) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. According to Fischer, Kuminga also has other options available if a deal with the Lakers fails to materialize, including remaining with Atlanta. That increases the pressure on both organizations to determine whether common ground exists.
If the Hawks continue rejecting a Vanderbilt-centered framework, the Lakers will ultimately have to decide whether they're willing to sweeten the offer or pivot elsewhere. Given Kuminga's potential fit alongside Dončić and Reaves, this feels like a situation worth pursuing—but only if the price doesn't compromise the franchise's long-term flexibility.
