The Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to be interested (subscription required) in Jonathan Kuminga, and they regretted standing pat at the deadline after his first game with the Hawks. Atlanta bought low by giving up Kristaps Porzingis to get JK and Buddy Hield. The 6’7 forward was excited to get a fresh opportunity, and he went off for a season-high 27 points in his opener with the Hawks.
Kuminga did everything Golden State wanted him to do. He was making plays, hitting 3-pointers, rebounding, creating turnovers, and getting easy buckets in transition. It was the best version of Kuminga. The one that made him the seventh overall draft pick in 2021 and has him still believing he can be an All-Star.
The Lakers were interested when Kuminga was a restricted free agent and could have bought low at the deadline. It would have meant paying the 23-year-old, but Los Angeles desperately needs athleticism, shooting, and defense around Luka Doncic. Kuminga could have been the perfect fit if he plays like he did on Tuesday night.
Jonathan Kuminga instantly makes Lakers regret trade deadline decision
Kuminga came off the bench against the Wizards, where he finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 24 minutes of action. He made nine of his 12 field goal attempts, including hitting three 3-pointers. It wasn’t just the stats. The 6’7 forward was doing a bit of everything in his Hawks debut, and he was even on a minute’s limit after missing nearly a month with a knee injury.
Luka Doncic was onboard with the Lakers' plans, but everyone knew it was a mistake for them to stand pat at the deadline. The purple and gold have glaring weaknesses that continue to haunt the franchise. They need rim protection, shooting, perimeter defensive upgrades, and athleticism.
Kuminga would have given them a needed boost of juice on the floor. He would have gotten plenty of wide-open jumpers playing off Luka, and this could have quickly become an exciting partnership. The Lakers would have had to figure things out with Austin Reaves and LeBron James demanding touches, but this version of Kuminga was doing all the little things on Tuesday night, including operating as a roll man.
It was an impressive performance from the 23-year-old, and the Hawks look genius. Kristaps Porzingis was not working in Atlanta and struggled to stay on the floor. Trading the big man for Kuminga looks absolutely outstanding after one game. Atlanta got a future piece that is already thriving in his new home.
The Los Angeles Lakers would have had to give up Rui Hachimura and more to get Kuminga. It may have meant dumping Dalton Knecht or finding a taker for Maxi Kleber. Fans were laughing throughout his Warriors tenure, but LA failed to take full advantage. Rob Pelinka could have acquired him on the cheap as a high upside swing to pair with Luka. That is what the Lakers should be doing, but they failed this time. Kuminga looks primed to make the purple and gold regret it.
Jonathan Kuminga had a monster start to his Hawks tenure, and the Los Angeles Lakers were left thinking about what could have been. Expect the 23-year-old to shine in his new home. He was always a talented forward, packed with potential. Atlanta is ready to help him realize it, and all the Lakers can do is regret the missed opportunity.