Lakers’ Rob Pelinka Reportedly High on Jonathan Kuminga as Trade Market Takes Shape

Jonathan Kuminga’s long-anticipated break from the Golden State Warriors is no longer speculative — it is official. And almost immediately after the 23-year-old forward became trade eligible, a familiar rival emerged as a serious observer.

According to a joint report from The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II, Sam Amick, and Nick Friedell, the Los Angeles Lakers have genuine interest in Kuminga, with league and team sources confirming that the curiosity is more than casual.

While talks are not guaranteed and no deal appears imminent, the report adds an important detail: Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga and likes the idea of pairing the explosive wing with Luka Dončić in Los Angeles.

The Warriors, for their part, have been aware of the Lakers’ interest for some time — even as the possibility of an in-season trade between the two rivals remains complicated.

Kuminga Makes His Intentions Clear

Once Kuminga officially became eligible to be traded on Thursday, the situation escalated quickly.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson reported that Kuminga formally requested a trade Thursday morning, a move that followed yet another stretch in which he fell out of head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. The inconsistency has been a recurring theme this season and has stalled the former lottery pick’s development.

Golden State has not dismissed the request, but the organization is also not acting out of urgency. Instead, the Warriors plan to monitor the market and wait for an offer that aligns with both competitive and long-term priorities.

Sacramento’s Momentum Slows as Lakers Enter the Picture

For much of the past year, the Sacramento Kings appeared to be the most persistent suitor for Kuminga. That momentum has cooled.

Earlier frameworks reportedly included Malik Monk and a 2030 first-round pick, but The Athletic reports that Sacramento is no longer willing to include that pick, effectively stalling negotiations.

As Sacramento’s stance softened, space opened for other teams — including the Lakers — to enter the conversation more meaningfully.

Possible Lakers Trade Frameworks

While no formal offers have been reported, several Lakers-centered constructions have circulated in league circles.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, Los Angeles would be willing to consider packages involving Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt in pursuit of a wing upgrade. Another variation could include Vincent and Maxi Kleber, depending on roster priorities and salary matching.

Rookie Dalton Knecht has not been directly named in reports, but league chatter suggests he could become part of broader negotiations if talks advance beyond exploratory stages.

What’s clear is that the Lakers are viewing Kuminga as a high-upside acquisition, not a finished product — a player whose athleticism and defensive versatility could flourish in a Dončić-led system.

Why the Timing Matters for Golden State

Kuminga’s contract situation adds urgency to the Warriors’ decision-making.

He projects as a $23.4 million expiring contract this summer, with Golden State holding a team option on his second year. That type of financial structure can be attractive to teams seeking flexibility rather than long-term commitment.

From the Warriors’ perspective, waiting carries risk. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler remain elite contributors, but Golden State sits in an uncomfortable middle ground — competitive enough to chase the play-in, yet lacking clarity beyond its veteran core.

Allowing a tradable asset like Kuminga to remain unused on the bench while fighting for marginal postseason positioning creates tension between short-term goals and long-term asset management.

Standing pat could be interpreted as mismanagement, especially when Kuminga’s role has diminished and his value could erode further with continued inconsistency.

Pelinka’s Interest Signals Strategic Thinking

Pelinka’s reported admiration for Kuminga does not guarantee a deal, but it places the Lakers firmly among the teams to watch.

Los Angeles is operating in a window where incremental athletic upgrades matter, particularly on the wing. Kuminga’s physical tools, age, and defensive upside align with the Lakers’ desire to stay competitive while maintaining roster flexibility.

Pairing Kuminga with Dončić would offer Los Angeles a transition threat, a switchable defender, and a player whose best basketball may still be ahead of him.

What Comes Next

The next few weeks could significantly reshape Kuminga’s market. Now that his availability is no longer theoretical, more teams may engage.

What no longer feels uncertain is his standing in Golden State.

His role has diminished.
His trade request is official.
His contract clock is ticking.

In the NBA, change often arrives faster than expected. For Kuminga and the Warriors, movement no longer feels like a possibility — it feels increasingly inevitable.