All eyes were on what the Los Angeles Lakers would do once free agency opened on July 1.
But as they got their top trade target, Walker Kessler, in the building, the floodgates opened. In came a flurry of moves, but it appears general manager Rob Pelinka isn’t done just yet.
Lakers Still Hunting For Depth In Free Agency
Following LeBron James’ decision to leave after informing the franchise he would play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season, the team’s focus has fully shifted to Luka Dončić as the centerpiece of its future. Los Angeles is now reshaping its roster to build a stronger supporting cast around the Slovenian superstar.
The Lakers also saw several key role players depart in free agency, including Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and backup center Jaxson Hayes. However, their biggest addition came through a blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler.
Los Angeles parted with unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, to secure Kessler. He also agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract, and the Lakers seem to believe he can become an ideal long-term partner for Dončić.
In an offseason breakdown for The Athletic, Dan Woike explained how the Lakers have focused on younger talent in the post-James era.
“The first (and most pivotal example) was a blockbuster trade for 24-year-old rim protector Walker Kessler – the Lakers’ summer centerpiece, figuratively and literally,” Woike wrote. “Long-expected deals for Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton materialized over the ensuing days.”
Woike also reported that the Lakers are not done making moves, hinting at another potential offseason target.
“The team, according to league sources who were granted anonymity to freely discuss the Lakers’ offseason moves, is still seeking a young wing to help its perimeter defense,” the report said. “A high-upside swing receiving significant consideration, per league sources, is former Golden State Warrior and Atlanta Hawk Jonathan Kuminga, whose $24.3 million team option was recently declined by Atlanta.”
Kuminga joined Atlanta at the 2026 trade deadline after being traded by the Golden State Warriors following an extended contract dispute. His time with the Hawks was a little underwhelming, as he appeared in only 16 regular-season games while averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per contest.
However, not everyone believes Kuminga would be the right fit in Los Angeles, as CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn argued that the Lakers would essentially be hoping to replicate what the Warriors accomplished with Andrew Wiggins by unlocking Kuminga’s potential.
“I have very little faith that the Lakers can do that, especially after they swung and missed on Deandre Ayton for the same reasons, but I get the thought,” Quinn wrote.
Kuminga is expected to have a strong market this offseason, as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers have all been linked to him, besides the Lakers.
A return to the Hawks also remains a realistic possibility.
