The Los Angeles Lakers have been connected to Jonathan Kuminga throughout the offseason as they continue searching for another athletic wing, but ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes the front office should be careful not to overpay for the former lottery pick.

During an appearance on ESPN LA's Sedano & Kap, Windhorst explained that while Kuminga possesses the type of upside teams covet, his value depends entirely on the contract attached to him.

"If you can get Kuminga on a cheap contract, that's definitely an athleticism infusion," Windhorst said. "But I just want to point out about Kuminga… two teams in the last year have moved on from him, and you did not see any team go commit any significant resources to get him."

The Lakers have continued exploring ways to improve the roster around Luka Dončić after an active offseason that included trading for Walker Kessler and adding several key role players in free agency.

Finding another versatile forward remains one of the organization's priorities, and Kuminga has frequently surfaced as a potential target.

However, Windhorst believes L.A. should separate Kuminga's potential from what he has actually accomplished during his NBA career.

The 23-year-old has flashed impressive athleticism and the ability to guard multiple positions since entering the league as the seventh overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. Even so, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent difference-maker.

Last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field in 36 games between the Warriors and Hawks.

He also posted 13.7 points in six games in the playoffs, showing the same flashes that have made teams believe there is another level to his game.

Despite those numbers, Windhorst noted that the market has not developed the way many expected for a player with Kuminga's talent.

"You feel better having Kuminga at a couple million a year as opposed to having him at $25 million a year," Windhorst said. "That changes everything."

Reports have suggested the Lakers have explored signing Kuminga, though a sign-and-trade would likely require both valuable assets and a significant long-term financial commitment.

Windhorst believes that distinction is important when evaluating whether the move is worthwhile.

He also referenced the Lakers' decision to sign Deandre Ayton last offseason as an example of why teams should understand why talented players become available. Ayton arrived in L.A. on a team-friendly contract before eventually being traded after one season as the franchise continued reshaping its roster.

Windhorst stressed that his comparison is about risk rather than talent.

He also cautioned against assuming Kuminga is destined for a breakout simply because of his age.

"Getting excited about Jonathan Kuminga has been an annual thing now for like five years," Windhorst said. "For five years, I've listened to how Jonathan Kuminga is going to have a breakout season. I'm just going to wait back and watch."

With free agency still ongoing, Kuminga remains one of the biggest names available. Whether the Lakers ultimately pursue him could come down to one question: does the price match the potential?