Jonathan Kuminga’s time with the Golden State Warriors appears to be nearing an end. The 23-year-old forward has fallen out of Steve Kerr’s rotation and has now formally asked for a trade ahead of the deadline. As his situation unfolds, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a potential suitor.
Lakers Interested In Jonathan Kuminga Ahead of the Trade Deadline
According to a report by Marcus Thompson II, Sam Amick, and Nick Friedell of The Athletic on Jan. 15, league and team sources confirmed that the Lakers have shown interest in Kuminga.
While no formal trade talks have been reported, Golden State is aware of the interest and is monitoring the situation as it develops.
“League and team sources confirmed a report that the Lakers have some interest in Kuminga, though it remains unclear if talks will unfold. The Warriors, the sources said, are aware of the intrigue and waiting to see how that situation evolves.”
Kuminga’s desire for a fresh start became public the same day he became trade-eligible.
Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of ESPN reported that Kuminga demanded a trade on Jan. 15, the first day he could legally be moved under NBA rules. The request came after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his role with the team.
“On the first day he became eligible to be moved, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, league sources told ESPN.”
Kuminga has not appeared in the Warriors’ past 13 games. His last on-court action came on Dec. 18 against the Phoenix Suns, when he played just 10 minutes and scored two points. Since then, his absence has raised questions about his future.
On Jan. 2, Kuminga was ruled out with back soreness roughly an hour before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Reports indicated that head coach Steve Kerr had planned to use him that night while resting starters. That appearance never happened, and Kuminga has not played since.
That said, the tension between Kuminga and the organization has been building for weeks.
During a Dec. 2 loss to the Thunder, Golden State was without Stephen Curry, while Jimmy Butler exited early due to injury. Despite scoring seven points, Kuminga did not play in the fourth quarter. The Warriors lost 124-112. Days later, Kuminga recorded his first healthy DNP-CD of the season against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 7.
Kuminga’s role, meanwhile, has steadily declined as the season progressed. He started 13 games early in the year. He averaged 30.8 minutes per game in October, scoring 17.5 points per night.
By December, his playing time had dropped to 16.7 minutes, and his scoring had fallen to just 5.8 points per game. He has appeared in only 18 games total this season.
The situation is notable given Kuminga’s offseason contract negotiations. He went through a lengthy restricted free agency standoff before signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract with the Warriors.
The deal was meant to provide stability, but instead, it has preceded one of the most difficult stretches of his NBA career.
Kuminga Can Address Lakers’ Roster Challenges
Kuminga was selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft and was part of the Warriors’ 2022 championship team. At 6-foot-7, he brings athleticism, strength, and defensive upside on the wing. Those traits could appeal to the Lakers.
Los Angeles is struggling on defense this season, and a player like Kuminga, who can switch across positions and help on the glass, might appeal to the front office. Kuminga’s ability to defend multiple spots and play above the rim could fit alongside their current core.
For now, no deal is imminent. However, with Kuminga officially requesting a trade and teams like the Lakers showing interest, a resolution could come right around the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
