Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga Update as Star Reportedly Favors Los Angeles
Mike Goodpaster Published 23/08/2026
Jonathan Kuminga's long-running free-agency saga may finally be narrowing toward a decision, and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to have an important advantage. The young forward reportedly prefers the Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving Los Angeles another reason to remain confident as negotiations continue.
The latest NBA News surrounding Kuminga comes as his market has reportedly narrowed to two main destinations. Cleveland had also been linked to the 23-year-old, but the Cavaliers' acquisition of Peyton Watson in a five-team sign-and-trade has removed them from the picture.
Key Takeaways
Jonathan Kuminga reportedly favors the Los Angeles Lakers, viewing them as a better basketball fit and potential starting opportunity, though contract demands remain a hurdle.
- Summary Points: Jonathan Kuminga is reportedly leaning towards signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, citing a better basketball fit and the potential for a starting role at power forward.
- Summary Points: Contract negotiations are the primary obstacle, as Kuminga is seeking a larger deal than initially offered and the market has narrowed his options.
- Summary Points: A potential sign-and-trade involving Jaden Hardy has been discussed between the Lakers and Hawks, but Atlanta's financial situation and desire for draft compensation complicate the deal.
Kuminga Reportedly Favors the Lakers
According to NBC Sports' Kurt Helin, Kuminga reportedly views Los Angeles as a better basketball fit. The Lakers are believed to envision him starting at power forward, giving him a significant role and an opportunity to prove that he can become a dependable piece of a contender.
That reported preference could be meaningful because Kuminga's decision is not simply about choosing his next team. He is also trying to secure the right contract after a difficult offseason, making his role and long-term development important parts of the decision.
The situation has become one of the biggest NBA News stories of the offseason. Kuminga is still looking for a contract larger than what the current market appears willing to provide, while the Lakers continue to show interest despite earlier negotiations failing to produce an agreement.
Contract Demands Remain the Biggest Hurdle
Kuminga reportedly rejected an earlier Lakers offer worth two years and $20 million because he believed it undervalued him. He had hoped to land a significantly larger contract, but his options have become more limited as other teams fill roster needs.
Keith Smith recently said the Lakers would still like to acquire Kuminga, while noting that the forward is holding out for a larger contract than he currently appears likely to receive. That financial gap remains the central issue keeping the two sides from reaching a deal.
For Kuminga, accepting a shorter or more modest contract could provide another route. A strong season in Los Angeles could improve his value and put him in a stronger position when he reaches free agency again.
Jaden Hardy Could Be Part of a Deal
The Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have discussed a potential sign-and-trade for Kuminga, but completing the transaction has been complicated by Atlanta's financial and roster situation. The Hawks reportedly have little room below the luxury tax and would prefer meaningful draft compensation if they are going to facilitate the move.
Jaden Hardy has emerged as a possible piece of the negotiations. The Lakers recently acquired Hardy, and reports indicate that his approximately $6 million salary could make the framework more workable than previous proposals involving Jarred Vanderbilt.
The latest NBA trades discussion therefore centers on whether Los Angeles can structure a deal that satisfies Atlanta without sacrificing assets it would rather keep. The Lakers' interest in Kuminga remains clear, but the Hawks have little reason to accept a deal that does not address their own needs.
The NBA trades market has also helped Los Angeles by removing Cleveland from the race. With Watson now in Cleveland, the Lakers and Timberwolves appear to be the primary destinations being discussed for Kuminga.
Minnesota can offer Kuminga part of its mid-level exception without requiring a sign-and-trade, while Los Angeles can offer a starting role that reportedly appeals to him more. That difference could become decisive if Kuminga places greater importance on fit and opportunity than maximizing his immediate salary.
For now, the Lakers remain in the middle of one of the offseason's most closely watched NBA trades situations. Kuminga's preference gives Los Angeles reason for optimism, but the contract and sign-and-trade details still need to be resolved before the move becomes official.
The latest NBA News suggests the Lakers have a legitimate path to Kuminga, while the evolving NBA trades landscape continues to reduce his alternatives. If both sides can bridge the financial gap, Los Angeles could finally end one of the summer's longest-running free-agency stories.