It remains unclear whether the Los Angeles Lakers can make further progress in pursuing Jonathan Kuminga, as his potential fit and role with the team could be just as important as the contract in deciding whether a deal gets done.
With the Lakers aiming to tap Kuminga as a dynamic, do-it-all forward in the Aaron Gordon and Andrew Wiggins archetype, Lakers insider Jovan Buha is skeptical that the talented forward would embrace the role.
"Arguably the most important thing, even more important than the salary, is Kuminga's mindset, his commitment to playing the role that the Lakers need from him, which I've made the point, they need him to be their Aaron Gordon, they need him to be their Andrew Wiggins. They need that type of effort and energy and just doing the little things, putting your hard hat on and doing the dirty work despite having the skill and talent and past production to do more. More so, buying into that role.
"They would need that from Kuminga, and I don't know if he is ready to commit to that role."
Will Jonathan Kuminga embrace Lakers' desired role?
Jonathan Kuminga remains a key name available in this year's free agency. He entered the market after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season.
He averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc last season, committing a dramatic breakup with the Golden State Warriors after five years, during which he was sent to Atlanta during the past 2025-26 trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a highly prominent team in the race for Kuminga. Yet despite their strong interest, reports indicate that Kuminga is prioritizing a significant contract in his next deal.
And with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way for the Lakers, it seems unlikely that Kuminga would openly welcome becoming the team's third star who only handles the team's dirty work and defensive pressure.
As the Lakers have already landed plenty of significant defensive wing signings from Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, the door is closing quickly for the team and Kuminga to still connect for a possible deal.