The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring options to acquire defensive wings before the NBA trade deadline on February 5. Reports indicate interest in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, a 23-year-old NBA champion seeking a fresh start. Other names in the mix include Derrick Jones Jr. from the Clippers and Isaac Okoro from the Bulls.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, less than 24 hours away for the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers remain active in discussions for skilled perimeter defenders. According to The Athletic's Dan Woike, league sources have connected the Lakers to several players, including Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga, the Clippers' Derrick Jones Jr., and the Bulls' Isaac Okoro.
“According to league sources, the Lakers have been linked to virtually every defensive wing on the market, including Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga, the (Los Angeles) Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr., and Chicago’s (Bulls) Isaac Okoro,” Woike reported.
Kuminga, a 6-foot-7 forward valued at $48.5 million in his contract, has been labeled a misfit in Golden State's system. The 23-year-old former lottery pick helped the Warriors win an NBA championship but struggles with fit alongside the team's core. Rumors suggest he might stay in Golden State beyond the deadline, potentially hindering his development. A move to Los Angeles could offer Kuminga a starting role in a competitive Western Conference setting, though he needs to boost his three-point shooting, currently at 32.1% this season.
However, complications arise: Kuminga and Jones are sidelined by injuries, and contracts for Okoro and Jones could impact the Lakers' cap space next summer. Kuminga's deal includes a team option for the following year, providing some flexibility. While no deal is imminent, the Lakers' pursuit underscores their push to bolster the roster amid trade season uncertainties.
