Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Although the Los Angeles Lakers have made some noteworthy additions to their roster this offseason, the team remains active in pursuing other targets. Among these, Jonathan Kuminga is undoubtedly the most noteworthy one. But is this venture truly worthwhile?
The Lakers’ interest in Jonathan Kuminga was reported earlier last month. Although Kuminga’s former team, the Atlanta Hawks, remains inclined to sign-and-trade the free agent forward, talks between Kuminga and the Lakers appear to have stalled over contract demands.
For all intents and purposes, the 23-year-old is an immensely gifted player. However, given the current circumstances, it is difficult to gauge whether the Purple and Gold truly need him. On that note, Lakers insider Jovan Buha also questioned how sensible or valuable it would be for Los Angeles to acquire the free agent forward.
“This is the most important question for the Lakers at the moment,” Buha began. “Is Jonathan Kuminga worth it? Is he worth all this trouble? Kuminga is available. He is attainable, and he does fit the Lakers’ need for that starting wing/forward who could defend threes and fours, rebound at a certain level, bring a certain level of athleticism, and bring a certain element of offensive dynamism.”
“Now, whether he’s the right answer is totally dependent on two things,” Buha added. “What does the contract look like? I think once you’re getting into that $17-$18+ million range, that’s a ton of risk on the Lakers’ side. If you’re able to keep it at $15 million or less, that’s the area I would be pushing for if I’m the Lakers.”
As Buha mentioned, the contract discussions have effectively been the point of contention between the Lakers and Kuminga’s camp. Although the forward has the skill set to be a dynamic addition to the team, especially as a starter, the price tag that Kuminga’s camp is placing on him may be too rich for the Purple and Gold.
Realistically, Buha’s mention of a potential contract worth $15 million per year may also be too low. But that range may also be a sweet spot that would justify the team’s interest in the forward. On that note, he continued:
“The second thing, and arguably the most important thing, is Kuminga’s mindset, his commitment to playing the role the Lakers need from him. They need him to be their Aaron Gordon, their Andrew Wiggins. Doing the dirty work despite having the skill and talent to do more. More so, buying into that role.”
“I don’t know if he is ready to commit to that role. You see the upside, and it’s high. But you also see the downside, and it’s relatively low. If he’s not really defending, if he’s not rebounding, if he’s not making the extra pass, if he’s not playing team basketball, then it’s just the wrong fit.”
Buha’s initial point about the contract discussions, while valid, seems significantly less important when speaking about Jonathan Kuminga’s overall mindset. It is a well-established fact that Kuminga is a promising young prospect. However, questions about his priorities in a team sport like basketball certainly do raise doubts about how impactful he can truly be.
In alignment with Buha’s comparison to Aaron Gordon‘s role with the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers would need Kuminga to do the vital grunt work to help the team win. Although he remains capable of stepping in as a two-way threat, there is no indication about whether he would want to embrace such a role.
It was made abundantly clear during last year’s offseason that Jonathan Kuminga aspires to be an All-Star. While the potential is there, a role like Gordon’s on a team like the Lakers may not place him in the best position to fulfill this dream.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. These are remarkable figures from a rotation player, but it is safe to say that these stats aren’t becoming of someone who wishes to be an All-Star.
As someone who would likely play behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Kuminga would not have the luxury to be the first option on offense, resulting in fewer chances to boost his scoring numbers. This would undoubtedly harm his chances of realizing his goals.
On that front, it ultimately would boil down to how willing Jonathan Kuminga is to sacrifice his dreams to pursue something more valuable. Like Aaron Gordon, who embraced a different role when he joined the Nuggets, Kuminga could be equally impactful if he committed to it. However, with doubts being raised about this aspect of his personality, it seems less plausible.
Hence, the Lakers’ pursuit, while justified, may not be as rewarding as one might believe. When considering that the Timberwolves have emerged as a suitor for Jonathan Kuminga, the Purple and Gold could see the 23-year-old slip away from their grasp.