Jonathan Kuminga decided to take the route that bets on himself (again), spurning an opportunity for long-term financial security with the Los Angeles Lakers in favor of a two-year deal, that includes a player option, with the Minnesota Timberwolves. What now Rob Pelinka?
It is not that Kuminga was this magical and perfect fit for the Lakers. He was far from it. Even so, having him in the building would have meant not relying on one of the bolder strategies for the fifth starter spot that are currently available in Los Angeles.
If the Lakers would still like to reshuffle the depth chart by adding an external candidate, there are realistic options. However, there are also challenges with most of these routes.
Honorable mentions: P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr.
P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. would be two of the cleanest fits the Lakers could get for that vacant starter job right now. The problem is with just how available both of them are.
Washington was confident he would be with the Dallas Mavericks to start the season, despite being constantly floated in trade rumors. Masai Ujiri is also reportedly said to be a fan of his veteran forward.
The Los Angeles Clippers' willingness to do business with the Lakers would be the sticking point with wondering whether Jones is obtainable. The two sides could not connect on working something out for Rui Hachimura earlier this summer. The asking price of Jones would also generate curiosity.
Both of these forwards would be strong adds. Either one could be a target that is far more available around the time of the 2027 NBA trade deadline.
Herb Jones
Let us truly start with the least plausible of the technically still realistic options. Hello again, Herb Jones!
The New Orleans Pelicans have held tight to their players recently, not being willing to do business on any of their premier trade candidates without an asking price that overreaches their true value. That makes them a tough team to trade with.
Perhaps the addition of Bennedict Mathurin inspires the Pelicans to reevaluate long-term plans just enough for someone like Jones to be available.
The defensive stopper is coming off a brutal offensive campaign in 2025-26. His value should be at one of the lowest points of his career. It would be up to Pelinka to truly sell that to the Pelicans front office if trying to acquire Jones with the limited assets the Lakers have.
De'Andre Hunter
Speaking of players who are at a low point, De'Andre Hunter had a mightily disappointing 2025-26 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Sacramento Kings in the Dennis Schroder deal and getting shut down. That could make him gettable.
Hunter struggled staying in front of his guys on defense, and his offense similarly left a lot to be desired. The Lakers could gamble on trying to rebuild his value in a new setting.
Granted, that is probably what the Kings sold themselves on when they acquired him from the Cavaliers. By selling him now, they will be surrendering that opportunity. The Lakers would have to dangle notable assets to try and get them to move off Hunter.
Kyle Kuzma
What should be easily the most doable deal here is acquiring Kyle Kuzma from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are going to be bad — with or without Kuzma.
The former Laker is an expiring contract, giving Los Angeles few long-term worries when it comes to absorbing his $20.5 million salary for 2026-27. In the short-term, Kuzma does still do several of the things that Los Angeles would be looking for from the position.
The 2020 NBA champion is a solid defender on his best day, can create his own offense, and should benefit as a shooter from having the easy perimeter looks that Luka Doncic provides. Kuzma is far from perfect, but he provides a workable solution at this stage of the summer.
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