The New York Post editorial board is advocating for the Los Angeles Lakers to target Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga in the wake of Rui Hachimura's departure. The call comes as the NBA calendar reached a critical juncture Monday, when teams could formally sign free agents and complete trades starting at 9:01 a.m. PT, converting handshake agreements from free agency's opening days into binding contracts.
This roster maneuver would directly impact the Lakers' frontcourt depth and scoring options. Hachimura's exit creates a gap in the rotation that Kuminga, a 22-year-old athletic wing, could fill with his combination of slashing ability and defensive versatility. The Lakers would need to facilitate a trade, as Kuminga remains under contract with Golden State.
No official discussions between the two teams have been reported, and the Warriors have shown no indication they are willing to move Kuminga. The Lakers currently lack the trade assets to match his salary without including key rotation players or future draft compensation, which complicates any potential deal.
Public sentiment among Lakers fans on social media has been mixed, with some expressing excitement about Kuminga's potential and others concerned about the cost of acquiring him. The Lakers' front office has not commented on the proposal.
Analysts note that while Kuminga offers upside, his inconsistent three-point shooting and limited playoff experience make him a risky replacement for Hachimura's proven mid-range game. The Warriors value him as a core piece of their young nucleus, making a trade unlikely without a significant overpay.