Jonathan Kuminga Is Perfect Fit for New-Look Lakers With Luka Amid NBA Free Agency Rumors

The Los Angeles Times' Broderick Turner reported that the Lakers are eyeing a two-year, $20 million deal for former Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (h/t Silver Screen and Roll).

The move would bring Kuminga back to California and more importantly, give the team a much-needed upgrade in key areas.

Last year's Lakers were dynamic offensively but struggled on the other side of the ball, with a 19th-best defensive rating of 116.4 according to StatMuse.

To improve their bottom-half defense, they need a gritty defender who can do the dirty work. Kuminga is an athletic player who can not only benefit the organization in an area of need, but he can also facilitate offense.

That the Lakers badly need a forward and are unlikely to win in a loaded Western Conference without that position only enhances the significance of signing Kuminga.

The 23-year-old is not without his issues, which means he will not be the deciding factor in the success of the Lakers' 2026-27 campaign. He still struggles with consistent three-point shooting and he turns the ball over too much, both areas of his game that he will need to improve to benefit the team to his full potential.

Still, his strengths fit a team that need them to stay competitive in a conference that is rapidly becoming dominated by Oklahoma City and San Antonio.