The Los Angeles Lakers always appear to be at the forefront of making a blockbuster trade. With the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline approaching, the rumors are heating up as the Lakers have been linked to many of the top available players on the trade market.
One player the Lakers have reportedly set their sights on is Golden State forward and former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga. Rumors linking Kuminga to LA have been circulating for a while, and in the past few days, the chatter has only intensified.
However, a trade for Kuminga and between the Lakers and Warriors is a lot more complicated than it sounds.
First, let’s take a look at why it couldn’t work.
Why a Jonathan Kuminga Trade Won't Come Easy for the Lakers
For starters, the Lakers and Warriors are division rivals. Yes, divisions don’t mean much in the NBA; however, when the two teams are actively working to become legitimate contenders, not only this season but for years to come, it wouldn’t make any sense for Golden State to trade the young forward to Los Angeles.
On top of that, it’s unclear who the Lakers would want to give up in this potential trade and who the Warriors would want in return. The Lakers would love to get off their upcoming expiring contracts like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. However, it’s unlikely the Warriors would want any of those players in return, especially when Golden State could receive a better package from another team.
The Lakers can technically afford Kuminga; however, it would reduce LA’s maneuverability for other potential trades or depth signings. A trade for Kuminga would put the Lakers against the NBA’s first apron; in simpler terms, it would be a very tight squeeze for LA, financially.
The rivalry factor and the Lakers’ lack of attractive trade assets make a trade for Kuminga extremely difficult; however, we have seen crazier things happen in the NBA and the Lakers.
The Athletic Wing the Lakers Have Been Searching For
On paper, Kuminga fits the bill for the type of player the Lakers want/need. He is an explosive athlete who is relentless downhill, attacks the rim with authority, and is a stellar point-of-attack defender. The Lakers have lacked athleticism at the wing position for a very long time, and Kuminga would undoubtedly be an upgrade to what they have now.
The basketball fit is certainly there, as he fits the perfect archetype of a player who can thrive next to Luka Doncic. That could not only be the case this season, but for the foreseeable future, considering he’s only 23 years old. The sky is the limit for Kuminga, especially if he is willing to play his role alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The NBA trade deadline is three weeks away, and while Kuminga will remain at the forefront for the Lakers, LA will also seek other options as they look to make a massive roster change.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga.
"Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga's, sources say, and likes the idea of him as an athletic wing on a Luka Dončić-led team. The Warriors have been aware of the Lakers' likeness for Kuminga, though it's unclear how likely an in-season move between the two teams is."
Newsweek