The Los Angeles Lakers are going through a bit of a dry spell, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time, as they have faced several teams below.500. However, with the trade deadline approaching, one name drawing interest from the Lakers is former Golden State Warriors first-round pick Jonathan Kuminga.
“The Lakers have legitimate interest in trading for Jonathan Kuminga. With the Kings now unwilling to part with a future protected first-round pick, Los Angeles could swoop in and make an enticing offer to the Warriors,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.
On Thursday, the forward officially requested a trade after becoming eligible to be placed on the trade block. This comes after his minutes have gradually diminished as the season has progressed.
“On the first day he became eligible to be moved, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, league sources told ESPN. Kuminga could not be traded until Thursday, according to the terms of the contract he signed this summer,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
With the Lakers showing interest, there is no doubt a deal could potentially come together. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes the Lakers could swap Kuminga for Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura.
“So the swap here would be something like Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht for Kuminga. Hachimura's 3-point shooting makes him a bit more viable in lineups with Green and Butler. Kuminga would give the Lakers a badly needed dose of athleticism. Would either player fix their new team? No. The Lakers don't just need athleticism, they need someone who directs it in ways Kuminga doesn't. Defense. Cutting. General energy and chaos. The Warriors need shooting, but Hachimura is a ball-stopper. Those tend not to work out well in Golden State,” Quinn wrote.
The deal would provide both teams with pieces they need. For the Lakers, Knecht has seen his minutes decline as inconsistencies within the rotation continue, making the return of a young, athletic talent appealing. For the Warriors, adding another solid defender alongside Draymond Green could be highly beneficial.
The Lakers’ eagerness to complete a deal before the deadline is exactly what the Warriors could use to bring negotiations to the finish line. Both teams could emerge improved if a trade ultimately comes together.