Two Lakers players involved in Jonathan Kuminga trade talks revealed

Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade talks between the Lakers and Hawks are reportedly gaining momentum. Los Angeles is pursuing Kuminga while seeking additional teams to acquire Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht, with Atlanta receiving draft capital. The primary challenge is finding a workable salary structure that satisfies Atlanta, as they remain unwilling to take Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract ($12.4M). The Lakers are exploring alternative ways to move salary to complete Kuminga’s trade. Meanwhile, Kuminga’s market reportedly includes the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, with both teams offering starting roles but differing financial opportunities. Kuminga spent the 2025-26 season split between Golden State and Atlanta, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 23.1 minutes with a 46.3% field goal percentage. After joining Atlanta, his stats improved slightly to 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 16 games, with a 47.6% field goal percentage. Over his five-year NBA career, he averages 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 294 games.