The Lakers’ free-agent sprint changed the look of their roster in a matter of minutes, but the front office is not done searching for another young wing. According to www.hoopsrumors.com, Jonathan Kuminga is still receiving “significant” consideration as Los Angeles looks to improve its perimeter defense.
That pursuit now comes with a clear constraint. After using all of its cap space and the room exception, Los Angeles can only offer the minimum salary unless it engineers a sign-and-trade with Kuminga’s current team.
The New Wave Of Additions
On July 1, the Lakers moved quickly from major cap room to a full allocation of commitments. In a 35-minute stretch, they secured Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton, using the space they had along with their $9.4MM room exception.
| Player | Deal Context | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Walker Kessler | Sign-and-trade | Cost Lakers two first-round picks and two pick swaps |
| Sandro Mamukelashvili | Free-agent commitment | Part of the rapid July 1 flurry |
| Quentin Grimes | Four-year, $60MM deal | Seen as a two-way bet by the Lakers |
| Collin Sexton | Free-agent commitment | Added during the same 35-minute span |
Why Kuminga Remains In The Picture
Los Angeles is still eyeing a young wing who could help on the defensive end, and Kuminga fits that search. But any move beyond the veteran’s minimum would require a sign-and-trade, and players in those deals must sign for at least three years, with only the first season needing to be fully guaranteed.
What The Lakers Think About Their New Pieces
Woike reported that a team source described Kessler as “a player (Luka) Doncic wanted at center most of all,” and said the Lakers believe he fits “perfectly” with Doncic and Austin Reaves. The move was expensive, but it was made to give the team a center whose profile matches what its lead guards wanted.
Grimes is another addition the team clearly values. The Athletic reported that head coach JJ Redick has long been a fan of Grimes, and the four-year, $60MM agreement reflects belief in his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
LeBron’s Exit Stayed Civil
The breakup between LeBron James and the Lakers appears to have stayed remarkably smooth. Woike reported that James and Doncic had no personal issues and even bonded over golf, while Doncic posted an Instagram story saying it was an honor to “play with and learn from” the four-time MVP.
James also responded to the Lakers’ statement calling him a “cherished part of the Lakers family” with a message of his own, writing, “No, THANK YOU! Truly an honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness and legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
For a team that entered the day with major flexibility and left it mostly spent, the bigger question now is whether it can still find one more swing move. Kuminga is the name still worth tracking if the Lakers decide to keep pushing.