Lakers, Hawks Explore Sign-and-Trade for Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers' pursuit of unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga has stalled over financial terms, with a potential sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks emerging as the most viable path to a deal. As of July 10, 2026, the two sides remain apart on salary expectations despite mutual interest.

The Lakers have reportedly improved their offer to Kuminga to a contract averaging around $10 million annually, but this figure falls short of the player's expectations. One report indicated Kuminga is seeking a deal in the range of the $24.3 million team option the Hawks declined late last month, while another suggested the Lakers' latest formal offer was a two-year, $20 million contract. The Lakers' salary cap situation complicates a direct signing. The team is hard-capped at the first apron following a sign-and-trade for center Walker Kessler and has committed significant funds to other free agents, including Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, and Austin Reaves. To create enough space to sign Kuminga outright to a $10 million deal, the Lakers would need to shed approximately $20.8 million in salary.

The primary alternative is a...