Los Angeles Lakers have identified former lottery forward Jonathan Kuminga as a potential target in their search for perimeter defense and age-profile balance, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. The Lakers have committed more than $262 million in contracts to players with a combined 81 career playoff points, a group Woike notes is heavily dependent on veteran production.

The roster context centers on offensive concentration around Luka Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in the 2025-26 regular season. Austin Reaves added 23.3 points and 5.5 assists, while LeBron James produced 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in his age-41 season. Despite that production, the Lakers were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

Woike reported that Los Angeles continues to prioritize a young wing who can defend multiple perimeter positions. The Lakers finished 53-29, fourth in the Western Conference, but ranked behind several teams that relied more heavily on athletic perimeter defense during the postseason.

Kuminga’s availability stems from Atlanta’s roster decision, with the Atlanta Hawks declining his $24.3 million team option for 2026-27, making him an unrestricted free agent. He was acquired at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State, then played 16 games for Atlanta.

Across those 16 appearances, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 22.1 minutes per game. His shooting splits in that stretch included 47.6% from the field and 34.6% from three, alongside 0.9 steals per game and 0.3 blocks, reflecting a reduced but versatile role.

Over his five-year career, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 22.1 minutes per game. His peak offensive season came in 2023-24 with Golden State, when he posted 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting and 26.3 minutes per game, along with 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

His overall profile has included strong finishing efficiency, with a career 56.2% mark on two-point attempts and 50.2% field-goal shooting. Three-point consistency has fluctuated, ranging from 30.5% to 37.0% across seasons.

Los Angeles also reshaped its frontcourt with the acquisition of Walker Kessler, a rim protector who averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in a limited 2025-26 sample. The Lakers also added Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.