The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler in a major offseason deal but now face a shortage of tradable assets for defensive wings. They are turning to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga as a possible solution.
The Lakers traded both available first-round picks and two first-round swaps to Utah for Kessler on a $130 million contract. This move followed Luka Dončić's request for an elite center and left the team with limited options to address other roster needs.
Team officials are now exploring ways to sign Kuminga to a two-year, $20 million deal. Creating the necessary cap space would require shedding salaries such as those of Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht.
A sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt has also been discussed with the Atlanta Hawks. Reports indicate the Hawks would participate only if they receive the Lakers' 2032 first-round swap.
Other teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks have shown interest in Kuminga. The Lakers have few remaining assets beyond a 2032 swap to pursue additional defensive help.
