The Lakers have improved in several areas this offseason, acquiring center Walker Kessler, guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, and offensive-minded forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili. Still, it’d be foolish to assume the loss of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer makes no impact. James will play for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Lakers may need Mamukelashvili in the first five despite only making 28 starts over his handful of seasons.
That’s why Kuminga has been closely linked to the Lakers. He has started 97 games for the Golden State Warriors and one for the Hawks. L.A. clearly sees him as an upgrade, adding necessary depth to a team that hopes to be immediately competitive—thus the willingness to give up its sparse remaining draft capital.
Kuminga would ink a four-year, $77.4 million deal with a player option on the final season. A sign-and-trade contract must be for at least three seasons; the Lakers give Kuminga an extra year, essentially as an insurance policy. He’s seeking above $20 million annually, but the Lakers are limited by their first-apron hard cap.
The Lakers currently have 16 guaranteed contracts, one more than the regular-season maximum. Knecht and Hardy, who arrived recently from the Washington Wizards via the Deandre Ayton trade, should be expendable to upgrade for Kuminga. While L.A. would prefer to get off Jarred Vanderbilt’s two-year, $25.7 million contract (player option before 2027-28), it only has so much draft capital to offer as an incentive. Getting Kuminga, roping in two other teams, and dumping Vanderbilt’s contract is a step too far.
The Lakers can give Kuminga a 15 percent trade bonus and additional contract perks. Realistically, he may not have a path to the contract he seeks. Taking less for one year doesn’t guarantee a payday next summer.
Los Angeles uses the expanded traded player exception of Knecht and Hardy. The team is left with one remaining draft pick (a second-rounder) in 2033 and $2.5 million in cash left to send out in trade near the 2027 draft, should the team hope to buy a second. Additionally, including Bronny James or another player could slightly increase Kuminga’s salary. Jake LaRavia can be substituted for Hardy, as both will earn $6 million this season.