With Kuminga off the table, the Lakers must reassess their path at the starting power forward slot. While adding a player with significant upside would have bolstered the roster, the team now looks to address two primary roster needs with training camp approaching.
What happens next for the Lakers? Insiders indicate the organization may pursue additional depth in certain areas. One veteran basketball executive suggested that, in the wake of Kuminga’s decision, the answer to who starts at the forward position could already be on the roster. Most other starting-caliber wings or forwards who could realistically join a title-contending team have already found deals, making trades for such players more challenging without substantial draft capital. If the Lakers make another roster move before training camp, it is likely to involve adding big-man depth to back up centers such as Kessler and Kevon Looney, whom the team recently signed to a veteran’s minimum.
Roster management will also require trimming to meet the league’s rules ahead of the regular season. Beyond these adjustments, most of the Lakers’ major moves appear to be in the rearview.
Potential wing options for Los Angeles
Following Kuminga’s decision, analysts named several possibilities the Lakers could pursue to finalize the roster. One report highlighted players such as PJ Washington, De’Andre Hunter, and Bruce Brown as potential targets.
– Washington (under contract with his current team through 2029-30) could bring a significant wing upgrade, but his $19.8 million salary for the coming season presents a hurdle. To make a deal work, the Lakers might need to include another player, potentially Jarred Vanderbilt, to help manage salary cap space.
– Hunter is another intriguing option, with a contract that would be expensive for the Lakers to absorb without moving other pieces.
– Bruce Brown is an unrestricted free agent and remains one of the most appealing options on the market. In the previous season, he played in all 82 games, delivering about 7.9 points per game and shooting close to 39 percent from three. His versatility and experience could be valuable, but adding him would require salary matching or smart roster reshaping.
Summary
– Kuminga’s rejection leaves the Lakers exploring depth and roster balance as they approach training camp.
– The likely focus is on adding big-man depth behind key players and considering wings who can contribute immediately.
– Any potential additions will depend on salary-matching moves and the team’s overall cap strategy to stay compliant and competitive.
As the Lakers finalize their plans, the organization will aim to strengthen the roster while keeping flexible options available for future moves. The goal remains clear: bolster the starting lineup and surrounding depth to compete at a high level this season.
