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Kuminga Deal Dead? Ranking Lakers’ Best Realistic Trade Pivots Now
Lakers’ Plan B: Three Trade Targets If They Miss Out on Jonathan Kuminga
The Los Angeles Lakers are hunting for a forward, and Jonathan Kuminga is their top wish. But there’s a catch—several other teams want him too. If the Lakers can’t sign Kuminga, they’ll need to make a trade. Here are the three best realistic options, ranked from "good but risky" to "dream scenario."
The Situation: Why Do the Lakers Need a Plan B?
Important: The Lakers have a hole at forward. They really want Jonathan Kuminga, but the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves are also chasing him. If Kuminga picks another team, LA must look at the trade market.
What makes a "realistic" trade target?
- The player’s team is willing to move them
- The salary matches what the Lakers can offer
- The player fits what the Lakers need: defense + 3-point shooting
3⃣ P.J. Washington — Dallas Mavericks
Why He’s Interesting
- Former Luka Dončić teammate — knows how to play with the Lakers’ new superstar
- Instant starter — athletic forward who can:
- Space the floor (career 35.4% 3-point shooter)
- Attack the rim
- Create his own offense sometimes
- NBA Finals experience — went to the 2024 Finals with Dončić
- Lakers insider Jovan Buha thinks LA should prioritize him over Kuminga
The Big Risk: His Contract
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Years Left | 4 |
| Total Money | $88,762,439 |
| Risk Level | High — long, expensive commitment |
Callout: Washington might be the best player on this list, but that contract is scary. If he doesn’t work out, the Lakers are stuck with a huge bill for four years. Only do this if Dončić vouches for him.
2⃣ Max Strus — Cleveland Cavaliers
Why He’s a Smart Target
- Expiring contract — only $16,660,836 for one year, then he’s a free agent
- Cavaliers want to move him — they need to clear salary to chase Kuminga themselves
- Elite shooter — career 37% from three, shot 40.2% in his 12 games last season
- Elite defender (per Basketball Index):
- 82nd percentile — perimeter isolation defense (1-on-1 stopping)
- 71st percentile — off-ball "chaser" defense (running shooters off screens)
- Playoff proven — key reserve in Cleveland’s 2026 Conference Finals run
Coming Back from Injury
Strus missed 70 games in 2025-26 after foot surgery (Jones fracture), but looked like his old self immediately upon return.
Callout: Since Cleveland wants to offload his salary, the trade price should be reasonable. Low risk, high reward.
1⃣ Derrick Jones Jr. — LA Clippers (The Dream Target)
Why He’s #1
- Expiring contract — just $10,476,190 for one year
- Elite wing defender — the exact archetype the Lakers need:
- 94th percentile perimeter isolation defense (2025-26)
- 96th percentile perimeter isolation defense (2024-25)
- Defended all three perimeter positions (PG, SG, SF) for 22.5%+ of his possessions
- Played with Dončić — reached NBA Finals together in Dallas
- Capable 3-point shooter — spaces the floor
What It Would Cost
- Likely draft capital (future picks)
- But: expiring deal = no long-term risk
Callout: Jones checks every box: defense, shooting, Dončić experience, short contract. If the Clippers are rebuilding and want picks, the Lakers should absolutely make this call.
Summary: The Lakers’ Forward Options Ranked
| Rank | Player | Team | Contract | Key Strength | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | P.J. Washington | Mavericks | 4 yrs / $88.8M | Best all-around player, knows Dončić | High (long $) |
| 2 | Max Strus | Cavaliers | 1 yr / $16.7M | Elite shooting + defense, expiring | Low |
| 1 | Derrick Jones Jr. | Clippers | 1 yr / $10.5M | Elite defense + Dončić experience | Low |
Bottom line: If Kuminga says no, Derrick Jones Jr. is the ideal fit — but Max Strus is a fantastic (and possibly cheaper) backup plan. P.J. Washington is talented but only makes sense if the Lakers are certain he’s a long-term piece.
FAQ
1. What’s an "expiring contract" and why does it matter?
An expiring contract ends after this season. The team doesn’t have to pay the player next year. This makes trades easier because the receiving team (Lakers) isn’t locked into long-term money, and the sending team (Cavs/Clippers) clears cap space for future moves.
2. What does "spacing the floor" mean?
It means the player can shoot 3-pointers well enough that defenders must guard them closely. This opens up driving lanes for LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. Think of it like spreading out a defense so there’s room to operate.
3. What are "percentile rankings" in defense?
Sites like Basketball Index track how well players defend specific situations. 94th percentile means the player was better at that specific defensive task than 94% of the league. It’s a fancy way of saying "elite."
4. Why would the Clippers trade Derrick Jones Jr. to their rivals?
If the Clippers aren’t competing for a title this year, they’d rather get draft picks (future assets) than keep a good player on a one-year deal who leaves for nothing in free agency. Rivalries matter less than smart asset management.
5. Could the Lakers just sign a free agent instead of trading?
Most impactful free agents are already signed. The best players left are either too expensive, don’t fit, or are restricted (their team can match any offer). Trading lets LA target specific players on specific contracts.
Article based on reporting from LakeShowLife, HoopsHype, and Basketball Index analytics.
