Lakers could sign Jonathan Kuminga by making one key move

The Lakers have been extremely aggressive in free agency this offseason after superstar Luka Dončić relayed his desire for major roster improvements heading into the 2026-27 season.

The free agency period began with several subtractions, primarily the shocking departure of LeBron James. The Lakers also lost other key free agents in sharpshooter Luke Kennard and defensive specialist Marcus Smart.

But general manager Rob Pelinka quickly countered with multiple signings Wednesday headlined by Walker Kessler, who inked a four-year, $130 million deal with LA after the team acquired the center from the Utah Jazz in a trade.

The Lakers also added guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, as well as forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Are those moves enough to put the Lakers into contender status?

Many would argue Pelinka’s job is far from over this offseason, which is concerning given the Lakers’ limited cap space wouldn’t allow the team to make another free agent signing. The team could add a veteran player on a league minimum deal but not much more than that.

Now, the Lakers are being linked to free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. The 23-year-old player spent the first four seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors before Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks prior to the 2026 trade deadline.

Kuminga is coming off of a 2025-26 season in which he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Lakers were previously interested in Kuminga earlier this year, and signing the forward is still a possibility.

After multiple signings Wednesday, the Lakers no longer have the financial flexibility to sign Kuminga. But they could do so by waiving Jarred Vanderbilt. The team would need to free up another $7 million in cap space to orchestrate a potential deal, doing so by stretching Vanderbilt’s contract.

Vanderbilt has emerged as a liability on offense, and his injury history has left his Lakers future in doubt. Now, the Lakers have even more of a reason to part ways with the forward.

Signing Kuminga would perhaps complete the Lakers’ offseason, but it remains uncertain whether Pelinka can orchestrate such a deal.

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