The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be focused on signing (subscription required) Jonathan Kuminga in free agency over Rui Hachimura, according to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein. That is a wise move for their revamped roster. The Lakers have prioritized adding shooting, getting younger, and being more athletic this summer. All smart things when trying to maximize Luka, but the Lakers are missing defense. Walker Kessler gives them an elite rim protector, but LA needs someone who can guard multiple positions at the four like Kuminga.
Hachimura has become a lights-out shooter. He shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range over 228 games with the Lakers, and his 51.6 career playoff 3-point percentage is the highest in NBA history. Luka wants shooting, but Rui is a below-average defender. The additions of Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton give the purple and gold plenty of floor spacing. Now, they need defense.
Luka is excited about the new look, but the roster isn’t finished. They need an athletic forward that can defend multiple positions. Kuminga is that option and should be the Lakers’ top target.
Lakers are wisely targeting Jonathan Kuminga over Rui Hachimura in free agency
Kuminga struggled to get consistent minutes in Golden State, but that changed when he was traded to the Hawks at the deadline. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 steals in 22.1 minutes per game coming off the bench. Beyond that, the Hawks had a 101.6 defensive rating with him on the floor. That is elite and 13.7 points per 100 possessions better than when he was on the bench.
For the full season, Kuminga produced a 0.8 estimated defensive plus-minus by Dunks & Threes, which ranked him 78th in the NBA. Hachimura’s was negative-0.3 and 276th. That is a massive upgrade, and both players are best at the four.
Luka Doncic turned Derrick Jones Jr. from a 15-minute per game role player into a starter on a team that reached the NBA Finals. DJJ is a 6’6 athletic forward capable of catching lobs and playing stout defense. He shot 30.4 percent from 3-point range before arriving in Dallas, but Luka got him to 34.3 percent and helped him make an impact on both ends.
Kuminga is more skilled than Jones Jr., and is an inch taller. He could absolutely pop if he is playing next to number 77. This is the perfect fit. Losing Rui would hurt, but this is a summer of change for the Lakers. Kuminga may not seem ideal, but he is the type of role player Luka maximizes.
The 23-year-old should want to play with Doncic. Since June 2025, Kuminga's had a restricted free agency standoff with the Warriors, been traded, and just had his team option declined by the Hawks. He must prove he can help a contender win at the highest level. His best shot is in LA with a superstar who will maximize him.
The Los Angeles Lakers should be trying to sign Jonathan Kuminga over Rui Hachimura. Kuminga is five years younger, more athletic, and a significantly better defender. Rui is a lights-out shooter, but the Lakers need defense after their other roster moves. Walker Kessler is their only plus defender right now. Getting Kuminga helps and would further improve this retool.
Credit to Rob Pelinka. He is building the Lakers around Luka Doncic. Hopefully, he can land Kuminga as the cherry on top of this sundae.
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