The Los Angeles Lakers should give Jonathan Kuminga a look after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option. The 6’7 wing would have to accept that he isn’t a star player, but there were positives during his tenure with the Hawks. He made winning plays in the playoffs, and Lakers fans have already seen how Luka Doncic can maximize teammates with athletic upside. This could be how Kuminga finally reaches his immense potential.
The 23-year-old will be an unrestricted agent just one year after his drawn-out restricted free agent saga with Golden State. Atlanta giving up on him isn’t ideal, but Kuminga came off the bench and thrived for the Hawks. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 steals in 22.1 minutes per game over 16 contests. The Hawks were 15.5 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor during the regular season and 8.3 better in the playoffs. Kuminga made a strong impact and is just waiting for the right opportunity.
The Lakers should have bought low at the trade deadline. Atlanta gave up Kristaps Porzingis, who they were ready to move on from. It was far from an unbeatable package. Los Angeles missed that shot, but the lottery ticket is waiting in free agency.
Lakers should take a gamble on Jonathan Kuminga after Hawks decline team option
Kuminga would have to sell Luka Doncic on this move. Lakers fans know number 77 has a say over LA’s decision-making. The 6’7 forward could be a supercharged version of Derrick Jones Jr. DJJ became a starter who shot 36.9 percent from 3-point range during the Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals run led by Doncic.
Kuminga is a better scorer with more size. The seventh overall draft pick in 2021 would have to take a prove-it type deal with the Lakers, but it could be the easiest path to getting a massive $100-plus million contract. The 24-year-old would have to thrive next season and wait until the 2027 offseason for the massive payday. All of that is possible if he chooses to join the Lakers.
This would also give Kuminga a shot to stick it to the Warriors. Golden State’s refusal to trade him while not giving him opportunities to play led to a messy exit. The 6’7 forward found a new home with the Hawks, but it was short-lived. Now, Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent capable of signing with any team.
He is a below-average shooter and a score-first offensive option. Fans have seen Luka transform these players into plus shooters that get buckets. Doncic will make the perfect pass. It allows someone like Kuminga to fire away or attack a shifting defense.
The Los Angeles Lakers should pursue Jonathan Kuminga in free agency after the Atlanta Hawks declined his team option. The 24-year-old has a ton of talent, and the Lakers are trying to upgrade their roster. This could turn into a fantastic fit if JK is willing to take less to join Luka Doncic. LA has cap space and a desire to improve their roster, so do not rule it out.
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