Many people know that the Los Angeles Lakers would love to acquire at least one 3-and-D player by the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline in order to strengthen their chances of being able to compete for a championship this season. It is fairly well known that the Lakers’ specific targets include Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans and possibly Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis.
But according to insider Jake Fischer, they also have a somewhat bigger target in mind: Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. Fischer noted on his Substack that L.A. inquired about Kuminga over the summer when he and the Warriors couldn’t agree on a contract extension and has continued to monitor him since.
“The purple-and-gold’s known preference at this deadline is to acquire a true 3-and-D wing with size if possible to provide some point-of-attack resistance on the perimeter as well as some shooting, but it must be said the Lakers, according to sources, did call Golden State about Kuminga during the sides summer standoff in restricted free agency,” Fischer wrote. “I’m told that the Lakers have likewise continued to monitor Kuminga’s situation while casting a wide net try to find help on a very limited wing market.”
Kuminga is a fairly athletic 6-foot-7, 23-year-old wing who was the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. After last summer’s contract standoff, he agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million deal that has a team option for next season, which has left his immediate future with Golden State in question.
Advertisement
He’s a below-average 3-point shooter, but he’s a moderate scoring threat who at least has the physical tools to play above-average defense. So far this season, he’s averaging 11.8 points on 43.1% overall shooting and 32% 3-point shooting and 6.2 rebounds in 24.8 minutes a game.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers have reportedly been interested in Jonathan Kuminga
