2 for 1! Leaked: Lakers making another trade! Hello, Kuminga!

A direct signing is basically out of the question, and a trade is likely the only feasible option.

After the Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves (4 years, $185 million) and signed Kessler (4 years, $130 million) and Grimes (4 years, $60 million), their salary cap space is nearly depleted. As a result, they can currently offer Kuminga only about $10 million annually, which is far below his expected salary (around $20 million per year). The most realistic approach now is a sign-and-trade with the Hawks.

According to Lakers beat reporter Khobi Price of the New York Post,The Lakers' trade framework for Kuminga with the Hawks involves Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap.

The Lakers' interest in Kuminga is genuine; they not only want to acquire him but also promise him the starting small forward position.

Last season, Kuminga earned $22.5 million. He was traded from the Warriors to the Hawks midseason, playing 16 regular-season games for his new team (1 start), averaging 22.1 minutes, 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, with shooting splits of 47.6%, 34.6%, and 70.2%. In this year's playoffs, he appeared in 6 games (all off the bench), averaging 26 minutes, 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assist, with shooting splits of 48.3%, 20.8%, and 73.1%.

Kuminga's numbers are solid, making him a true sixth man, but unfortunately, he hasn't gained recognition from the Hawks, who declined to execute his $24.3 million team option for next season...

Born on October 6, 2002, Kuminga stands at 6'7" (2.01m) with a 6'11" (2.11m) wingspan. He was the 7th overall pick in the 2021 draft and won a championship with the Warriors in the 2021-22 season. If he can bring his talent to the Lakers, his athleticism would be an excellent addition to the "unquestionable" Purple and Gold.

At 23 years old, Kuminga still has plenty of time and opportunities to fully realize his potential, provided he stays on the right path. Otherwise, he risks squandering his talents. Over the past few years, his salary demands have been steadily decreasing:

2024: $35 million;

2025: $30 million;

2026: $20 million.