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Kuminga Deal Dead? Ranking Lakers’ Best Realistic Plan B Trades
Lakers’ Plan B: Three Trade Targets If They Miss Out on Jonathan Kuminga
TL;DR: The Lakers might not land Jonathan Kuminga. If that happens, they have three realistic trade options for a forward: P.J. Washington (expensive but talented), Max Strus (expiring deal, great shooter/defender), and Derrick Jones Jr. (expiring deal, elite defender, played with Luka Dončić).
The Situation: Kuminga Might Choose Another Team
The Los Angeles Lakers really want to sign Jonathan Kuminga, a young, athletic forward. But they’re not the only team interested.
Other teams chasing Kuminga:
- Atlanta Hawks
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Important: There’s a "realistic possibility" Kuminga picks one of these other teams. If that happens, the Lakers must look at the trade market to fill their hole at forward.
What Makes a "Realistic" Trade Target?
It’s fun to dream about superstars, but the Lakers need players who:
- Are actually available (their team wants to move them)
- Fit the salary cap (contracts that work money-wise)
- Fill a specific need (defense, shooting, or both)
The article ranks three players who check these boxes — from "good but risky" to "ideal fit."
3⃣ P.J. Washington — Dallas Mavericks
The Good:
- Former teammate of Luka Dončić (now a Laker)
- Athletic forward who can start immediately
- Spaces the floor: Career 35.4% three-point shooter
- Can create his own offense and play above the rim
- Went to the 2024 NBA Finals with Dončić
The Risk (Why He’s Ranked 3rd):
- 4 years, $88.8 million left on his contract
- Long, expensive commitment = high risk if he doesn’t work out
Why It Could Still Work:
If Dončić vouches for him, the Lakers should at least consider it. Washington is similar to Kuminga — athletic, versatile defender, good in transition.
Key Term: Spacing the floor = Shooting threes well enough that defenders must guard you far from the basket, opening driving lanes for teammates.
2⃣ Max Strus — Cleveland Cavaliers
Why He’s Available:
The Cavaliers want to sign Kuminga, but they’re over the salary cap. To clear money, they’re shopping expiring contracts — including Strus’s $16.7 million deal (ends after this season).
The Good:
- Elite shooter: Career 37% from three; shot 40.2% in 12 games last season
- Elite perimeter defender:
- 82nd percentile in 1-on-1 defense (2024-25)
- 71st percentile in chasing shooters off screens
- Proven playoff performer: Key reserve in Cleveland’s 2026 Conference Finals run
- Expiring contract = Low long-term risk
The Catch:
- Missed 70 games in 2025-26 after foot surgery (Jones fracture)
- But he returned strong in the playoffs
Key Term: Expiring contract = A player’s last year under contract. Teams often trade these players to shed salary for future flexibility.
Important: The Cavaliers want to move Strus’s salary. The Lakers should "kick the tires" (explore the cost) — it might be a bargain.
1⃣ Derrick Jones Jr. — LA Clippers (Top Pick)
Why He’s the Dream Target:
- Elite wing defender:
- 96th percentile in 1-on-1 defense (2024-25)
- 94th percentile (2025-26)
- Guards all three perimeter positions (PG, SG, SF)
- Capable three-point shooter (spaces the floor)
- Played with Luka Dončić on the 2024 Finals-run Mavericks
- Expiring contract: $10.5 million — low risk, easy to trade for
Why the Clippers Might Trade Him:
They may prefer long-term assets (draft picks, young players) over a one-year rental.
What It Would Cost:
- "Reasonable draft capital" (future draft picks)
- But for an elite defender who fits perfectly next to Dončić and LeBron, it’s worth exploring
Important: The Lakers need an elite wing defender who can shoot. Jones is the best realistic option on the trade market.
Summary: The Lakers’ Forward Options Ranked
| Rank | Player | Team | Contract | Key Strength | Biggest Concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | P.J. Washington | Mavericks | 4 yr / $88.8M | Two-way starter, Luka connection | Long, expensive deal |
| 2 | Max Strus | Cavaliers | 1 yr / $16.7M (expiring) | Elite shooting + defense, low risk | Injury history (foot) |
| 1 | Derrick Jones Jr. | Clippers | 1 yr / $10.5M (expiring) | Elite defense, Luka experience, perfect fit | Cost in draft picks |
Bottom Line: If Kuminga signs elsewhere, Derrick Jones Jr. is the top target — expiring deal, elite defense, knows Luka. Max Strus is a strong backup plan. P.J. Washington is talented but risky due to his contract.
FAQ
1. Why can’t the Lakers just sign a free agent forward?
They’re over the salary cap. In the NBA, teams over the cap can’t just sign whoever they want — they usually have to trade for players (swap contracts) or use limited exceptions.
2. What does "expiring contract" mean and why is it good?
It means the player becomes a free agent after this season. For the Lakers, it means no long-term commitment — if it doesn’t work, they move on. For the other team, it clears salary for future spending.
3. What is "draft capital"?
Future NBA Draft picks (e.g., "a 2027 first-round pick"). Teams trade these like currency. "Reasonable draft capital" means not giving away too many valuable picks.
4. What are "percentile rankings" on defense?
Stats that compare a player to the rest of the league. 96th percentile = better than 96% of NBA players at that specific skill (like guarding 1-on-1). It’s a fancy way of saying "elite."
5. Why does playing with Luka Dončić matter?
Dončić is a unique offensive genius. Players who’ve succeeded with him (Washington, Jones Jr.) understand how to space the floor, cut, and defend in a system built around Luka — exactly what the Lakers now run.
Final Thought: The Lakers have a clear hierarchy of Plan B options. Jones Jr. is the home run; Strus is a solid double; Washington is a risky swing for the fences. All three are gettable — now it’s up to the front office to make the call.
