The Los Angeles Lakers apparently have a clear path to bring ex-Golden State Warriors NBA champion forward Jonathan Kuminga onto their roster, but not everyone thinks that's the smartest play. Sending Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap to the Atlanta Hawks is the deal that could get it done, according to the California Post's Khobi Price. But hold up, because Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox is yelling for L.A. to pump the brakes on a Kuminga sign-and-trade and instead pivot to an $11 million Nuggets rising star.
Why Kuminga Might Be Out of Reach For Los Angeles
Knox laid it out plainly on Saturday: Kuminga might fill a need for wing depth, but he looks like he's out of the Lakers' price range, sign-and-trade or not. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Hawks are "seeking more than the Lakers can offer to this point." That's a huge problem. If Atlanta wants more than Los Angeles is comfortable giving up, then it's time to check out other wing options. Giving up trade assets just to then overpay Kuminga isn't how you become a title contender. Waiting around to see if his situation changes could mean the Lakers miss out on quality players for those "critical" last roster spots. This isn't just about getting a guy, it's about getting the *right* guy without crippling your future.The Pivot to an $11 Million Champion and Other Intriguing Options
So, who else is out there? Some intriguing wing options are still floating around in free agency, like Matisse Thybulle, Bruce Brown, and the restricted free agent Payton Watson. While these guys might not have the same "untapped potential" vibe that Kuminga still has, one of them could absolutely fill L.A.'s need for depth and defense. Thybulle, for example, is a two-time second-team All-Defense selection. Brown and Watson have both been part of championship squads with the Denver Nuggets, just like Kuminga was a champion with the Warriors. If the Lakers do decide to pivot to Watson, though, they're looking at a huge challenge. The Nuggets are open to a sign-and-trade for their surging three-and-D wing. The issue is, Los Angeles doesn't have the necessary draft capital to entice Denver, and they'd probably end up paying more than they should for the 23-year-old unrestricted free agent.What's Next for the Purple and Gold?
Even with all these warnings, it's tough to see Knox getting his wish this summer. The Lakers' interest in Kuminga is real, even if he's a below-average perimeter shooter and not the scary defender he *could* be with all his physical tools. Los Angeles seems content with trying to help him finally put it all together. In all likelihood, the Lakers will probably keep chasing Kuminga, trying to keep their wing search as simple as they can. We'll have to see if that strategy pays off or leaves them wishing they'd listened to the noise.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.