Originally published by LakersNation.com
The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the 2026-27 season is coming together, although they still have a clear need for a starting power forward.
The team recently reportedly agreed to sign Ziaire Williams, who can help with their wing defense. He has a lot of upside but is not an established starter in the NBA, however. The Lakers’ top target all offseason has been Jonathan Kuminga and that remains the case despite the Williams signing, per Shams Charania of ESPN:
Lakers reach a deal with Williams and CAA Co-Head of Basketball Aaron Mintz to address their wing depth — and LA continues to strongly pursue Jonathan Kuminga as a potential starting forward, sources tell ESPN. Williams averaged 10.2 points and 22.9 minutes for the Nets last… https://t.co/4njsbJYd7U
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2026
According to Aron Cohen of Lakers All Day Everyday, Kuminga could be waiting on a LeBron James resolution before deciding if he wants to join the Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers:
Following up on this, a source tells me that Kuminga is likely waiting to see what LeBron decides before making his own move. If LeBron chooses Cleveland, it becomes more likely that Kuminga signs with LA.
But if LeBron goes elsewhere, Cleveland becomes the more probable landing… https://t.co/XQgPFh2jim
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 13, 2026
Kuminga is a former lottery pick who has been linked to the Lakers for a while now dating back to when he was struggling to get playing time with the Golden State Warriors. They certainly have pursued the 23-year-old hard this offseason, pitching him on being their starting power forward. He would bring the Lakers stellar athleticism on the wing but is known to be an average defender and shooter.
In 36 games (14 starts) with the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from deep on 2.9 attempts per game. The pitch is that he would thrive playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as an athletic, slashing wing.
Lakers would need to acquire Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade
The Lakers currently are out of cap space and roster spots. Because of that, them acquiring Kuminga would need to come via a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
According to recent reports though, the Hawks are not interested in taking back Jarred Vanderbilt, which means the Lakers may need ti get creative to find a deal that works for all parties if it comes to it.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the 2026-27 season is coming together, although they still have a clear need for a starting power forward.
The team recently reportedly agreed to sign Ziaire Williams, who can help with their wing defense. He has a lot of upside but is not an established starter in the NBA, however. The Lakers’ top target all offseason has been Jonathan Kuminga and that remains the case despite the Williams signing, per Shams Charania of ESPN:
Lakers reach a deal with Williams and CAA Co-Head of Basketball Aaron Mintz to address their wing depth — and LA continues to strongly pursue Jonathan Kuminga as a potential starting forward, sources tell ESPN. Williams averaged 10.2 points and 22.9 minutes for the Nets last… https://t.co/4njsbJYd7U
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2026
According to Aron Cohen of Lakers All Day Everyday, Kuminga could be waiting on a LeBron James resolution before deciding if he wants to join the Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers:
Following up on this, a source tells me that Kuminga is likely waiting to see what LeBron decides before making his own move. If LeBron chooses Cleveland, it becomes more likely that Kuminga signs with LA.
But if LeBron goes elsewhere, Cleveland becomes the more probable landing… https://t.co/XQgPFh2jim
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 13, 2026
Kuminga is a former lottery pick who has been linked to the Lakers for a while now dating back to when he was struggling to get playing time with the Golden State Warriors. They certainly have pursued the 23-year-old hard this offseason, pitching him on being their starting power forward. He would bring the Lakers stellar athleticism on the wing but is known to be an average defender and shooter.
In 36 games (14 starts) with the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from deep on 2.9 attempts per game. The pitch is that he would thrive playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as an athletic, slashing wing.
Lakers would need to acquire Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade
The Lakers currently are out of cap space and roster spots. Because of that, them acquiring Kuminga would need to come via a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
According to recent reports though, the Hawks are not interested in taking back Jarred Vanderbilt, which means the Lakers may need ti get creative to find a deal that works for all parties if it comes to it.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.