The Lakers are interested in Kuminga! The Kings refuse to trade a protected first-round pick, and the Purple and Gold may offer a more attractive deal.

On January 15th Beijing time, as reported by The Athletic, league and team insiders confirmed that the Lakers show some interest in Kuminga, though it remains uncertain if official talks will begin. The Warriors have been informed of the Lakers' interest and are monitoring developments closely.

Previously, insiders from both the Kings and Warriors acknowledged that if Kuminga were to join the Kings, it would most likely happen through a three-team trade. Despite rumors linking the Warriors with the Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. and the possibility of acquiring him via such a deal, a Warriors source insisted earlier this week that no substantive negotiations have taken place between the teams.

Reporter Sidery later noted that since the Kings are currently unwilling to part with a future protected first-round pick for Kuminga, the Lakers might seize the opportunity to step in and present a more enticing offer to the Warriors.

Sources also indicated that if the Warriors do not receive an offer they find satisfactory in the first few weeks before the trade deadline, Kuminga may remain with the team.

“I actually think this scenario could happen,” one player said. Another player commented that if Kuminga stays with the Warriors after the trade deadline, “the team will have to give him playing time.”

Not long ago, Kuminga was indeed given ample playing time—and it was with Coach Kerr’s approval—yet his season performance took a sharp downturn in a very short span.

Now that Kuminga’s trade restrictions have been lifted, the Warriors can trade him at any point in the future. So far this season, Kuminga’s shooting percentage has dropped to a career-low 43.1%, and his average of 11.8 points per game is the lowest since his second season.