The Los Angeles Lakers are leading the race to land NBA forward Jonathan Kuminga in free agency, in a deal that would likely come by way of a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers also had interest in making a trade for Kuminga, the Eastern Conference hopeful instead got Peyton Watson, subsequently taking them out of the race for the Lakers’ top target.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been named as the other landing spot for Kuminga. However, based on some recent reports, they still sit behind Los Angeles as favorites to add the former NBA champion.
Lakers Lead Race For Jonathan Kuminga Trade
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Deep into the 2026 NBA offseason, Kuminga remains unsigned. The Lakers have made multiple efforts this summer to land the athletic forward, and though a deal has yet to come into place, Los Angeles is still predicted to add his services before the start of the 2026-27 season.
Writing for Bleacher Report, Grant Hughes named the Lakers over the Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks as the top landing spot for Kuminga, specifically after the Cavs’ deal for Watson took them out of the running.
“After the Cavaliers’ trade for Peyton Watson, reporting points to the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves as the top two favorites,” he wrote, after ranking the Lakers, then Bucks, and finally the Timberwolves as the top three Kuminga landing spots in order.
With the Cavaliers hoping to make a jump in the East, they were previously predicted to make the best offer in a sign-and-trade for Kuminga, but after going all-in on Watson, it’s Los Angeles now in prime position to add the forward they’ve been eyeing all summer.
“Jonathan Kuminga landing with the Los Angeles Lakers seems inevitable at this point,” Valentina Martinez wrote for the California Post. “On Tuesday, it appeared Kuminga had three suitors remaining in his free-agent sweepstakes: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers. And on Wednesday, the Cavaliers seemingly took themselves out of contention by instead acquiring Peyton Watson in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.”
The Lakers are still looking to fill in their starting lineup, and trade rumors suggest Kuminga remains the name they are hoping to add the most. However, a trade hasn’t come yet, and as Hughes added, waiting too long could put them into a tough situation without many other options on the market.
“While the Lakers are reportedly interested and could use a high-upside option like him on the wing, they have more to lose if things don’t pan out.”
What’s Holding Up A Trade For L.A.’s Top Target?
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 12: President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on May 12, 2026 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Despite the Lakers’ summer-long interest in Kuminga, nothing has happened yet, and he remains on the free agent market. While the two sides are still reportedly interested in making a deal, agreeing to terms on a new contract appears to be causing a holdup in the move, as ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote earlier in the month.
“The Lakers met with Kuminga in the early hours of free agency, pitching him on a high-minutes role for a high-profile fringe contender in desperate need of athletic help on the wing,” Slater reported. “The opportunity appealed to Kuminga, but the sign-and-trade contract offer (years, money, package going back to Atlanta) didn’t satisfy all sides. The Lakers remain interested in him, league sources said, but movement toward a deal has remained stalled for weeks.”
Additionally, reporting for Spotrac, NBA insider Keith Smith made it clear money is the lasting issue that’s holding up a deal.
“I know the Lakers would still love to acquire him…That is certainly on the table still,” Smith said. “But Kuminga is still holding out for a much bigger contract than it looks like he’s headed to get right now.”
While the Timberwolves can likely only offer Kuminga a one-year deal for about $6 million, trade rumors suggest the Lakers could trade the contract of Jarred Vanderbilt or a few of their younger players in a move to create roughly $20 million in cap space for the free agent forward, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Still, as time goes on, the Lakers continue to lead the charge for Kuminga, but a timeframe for the team’s final move remains uncertain.
Lakers Gain More Momentum On Jonathan Kuminga Trade Pursuit