Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers Heats Up After JJ Redick & Rob Pelinka’s Pitch

Free agent Jonathan Kuminga met with Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick.

Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers Heats Up After JJ Redick & Rob Pelinka’s Pitch

Jonathan Kuminga (Image credits: FirstSportz)

It looks like Jonathan Kuminga may have finally gotten a huge break in his career. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the number seven pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Kuminga struggled to make a name for himself under Steve Kerr.

After a difficult four-and-a-half-year stint with the Warriors, Kuminga finally found a new environment to rediscover himself in Atlanta. However, it looks like he may be on the move once again in the offseason this year.

ESPN insider Anthony Slater reported that Kuminga has already met with the Los Angeles Lakers’ General Manager, Rob Pelinka, and head coach, JJ Redick.

He met virtually with Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick, who pitched him of being a high-minutes wing next to Luka in a spacious on-court environment conducive to his skill set.

Anthony Slater on ESPN

Jonathan Kuminga has always been regarded for his speed and athleticism on the court. His attributes will be crucial for the Lakers as they build their squad around star player Luka Doncic, who is the focal point of this team.

The 23-year-old was traded to the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline this year after demanding a trade this season. He had a few big games during his time in Atlanta but was not able to take them past the first round of the playoffs, as they were beaten by the eventual champions, the New York Knicks, in six games.

However, it looks like Kuminga will have the biggest opportunity to make a name for himself after his meeting with Redick and Rob Pelinka. There is no better place to shine in the NBA than playing for the Lakers.

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Lakers are reportedly willing to offer Jonathan Kuminga a two-year deal

The Lakers are frontrunners in the race to sign Kuminga. The Hawks declined Kuminga’s player option and hence he finds himself testing free agency. He is still an intriguing young piece who could make a positive difference in the right situation.

LA Times sports writer Broderick Turner has reported that the Lakers are planning to offer the young star a two-year, $20 million deal.

Jonathan Kuminga is a player the Lakers are after, according to people with knowledge of the situation who said L.A. is looking at a two-year, $20-million deal for Kuminga, the sort of athletic wing player the Lakers need to start at small forward.

Broderick Turner on LA Times

A player like Kuminga can help the Lakers a lot heading into next season. He can be a good fit when Doncic is on the floor, as he is dynamic, a downhill threat, and can play some good defense. The forward has had his fair share of issues in the past, but a move to the Lakers can do him a world of good.

JJ Redick will look for an improved third season as head coach

There were many questions when the Lakers hired JJ Redick as their head coach in 2024. It was a huge task for the former player as he joined the esteemed franchise without any prior coaching experience.

Luka Doncic and JJ Redick have been close for 10 years
Luka Doncic and JJ Redick (Image via LADEig/X)

But Redick has more than just answered the call in his first two seasons in LA. While he has just one playoff series win in two seasons, he joined an elite list of head coaches to record 50 wins in consecutive seasons. The other two coaches were Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.

With LeBron James announcing his departure from the Lakers, it marks a new era in LA, and Redick will be under pressure to deliver on the big stage. Redick will be hopeful for a much better postseason run this season.

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