Jonathan Kuminga’s fit comes with questions, but his youth and upside make him a risk the Lakers should be willing to take.
The Los Angeles Lakers have already reshaped their roster around Luka Dončić, but they should take advantage of the opportunity to add Jonathan Kuminga before the season begins.
NBC Sports reported that the Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have resumed sign-and-trade discussions involving Jaden Hardy.
The two teams previously discussed a deal involving Jarred Vanderbilt, but Atlanta’s financial situation and crowded roster complicated negotiations.
Completing a deal will not be simple. However, Kuminga offers enough long-term potential for L.A. to continue working toward an agreement.
Mar 1, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward JonathanKuminga(0) dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesKuminga Fits Lakers’ New Timeline
Kuminga is only 23 and already has five seasons of NBA experience. He averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds across 16 regular-season games with Atlanta after arriving from Golden State in February.
Although those numbers do not immediately jump off the page, Kuminga possesses physical tools that remain difficult to find. The 6-foot-7 forward can attack the basket, finish above the rim and create opportunities in transition.
Those skills could become even more valuable next to Dončić.
The Lakers’ franchise player regularly creates openings by drawing multiple defenders. Kuminga would not need to dominate the ball to score. He could cut behind defenders, run the floor and attack closeouts after Dončić forces the defense into rotation.
A young core featuring Dončić, Austin Reaves, Kuminga and Walker Kessler would also give L.A. a foundation capable of growing together beyond one season.
Kuminga’s inconsistent outside shooting creates a legitimate concern. He would also have to embrace a role in which Dončić and Reaves control most possessions. Those questions should influence the Lakers’ offer, but they should not prevent the team from pursuing him.
Lakers Must Establish Their Limit
The most realistic framework would begin with Hardy and Dalton Knecht, with one potentially going to a third team because Atlanta is close to the luxury-tax line and already has 17 players under contract.
Trading two players for Kuminga would also solve another problem for the Lakers. L.A. currently has 16 guaranteed contracts and must reduce that number to 15 before the regular season.
Hardy and Knecht are both young players with offensive upside, but neither is guaranteed consistent playing time on this roster. Combining them for a forward with Kuminga’s athletic ceiling would be a reasonable gamble.
The Lakers should be willing to include second-round compensation if it helps complete the transaction. An unprotected first-round pick, however, should remain off the table.
Kuminga is still unsigned this late in the offseason, and Atlanta already declined his $24.3 million team option. The Hawks do not have enough leverage to demand one of L.A.’s few remaining premium draft assets.
The Lakers do not need Kuminga to become a star immediately. They need him to defend, cut, run and grow alongside Dončić.
If L.A. can acquire him for Hardy, Knecht and modest draft compensation, the potential reward outweighs the risk.
