Lakers Could Shake Things Up Again After Jonathan Kuminga Miss

The Los Angeles Lakers may have another move left before the season begins. Missing out on Jonathan Kuminga did not end the team's search for another wing, and the next move could affect two players already on the roster.

That leaves the franchise with a decision to make as training camp approaches. The front office can keep its current group, or use part of it to chase the forward help it still wanted from Kuminga.

Lakers Could Put Dalton Knecht And Jarred Vanderbilt On The Table

NBA insider Jake Fischer said the Lakers could still explore deals involving Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt . He stressed that Los Angeles has time before making that call, but the team still wants to improve at the wing or forward spot after losing the chance to sign Kuminga.

"I do think that the Lakers are still going to be looking at potentially trading Dalton [Knecht], Jarred Vanderbilt," Fischer said.

That does not mean either player is on the verge of being traded. Fischer's point is that the franchise is still exploring options, with no specific deal reported as imminent.

Fischer also said Los Angeles wants "some type of trade upgrade at the wing/forward spot." That is where the Jonathan Kuminga miss becomes important.

Kuminga signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves after the Lakers were among the teams interested in him. The 23-year-old forward agreed to a two-year deal after spending most of his career with the Golden State Warriors .

Lakers Still Have A Roster Problem To Solve

The franchise already has 16 players under standard contracts, one more than the 15-player regular-season limit. That gives the front office another reason to keep the trade market open as the team prepares for camp.

Knecht and Vanderbilt also offer different reasons for another team to consider them. Knecht brings perimeter shooting and was the 17th pick in the 2024 draft, while Vanderbilt is valued more for his defense and ability to guard multiple positions.

That difference could shape which player becomes easier to move. They do not necessarily need to trade both, but Fischer believes at least the possibility remains.

"I do think the Lakers are incomplete right now moving forward," Fischer said.

That assessment keeps Kuminga relevant even after he chose Minnesota . The Lakers wanted his size and athleticism on the wing, and now they have to find another way to address the same need.

Los Angeles has already reshaped much of its roster around Luka Doncic . The next move could determine whether the Lakers finally fill the gap left after missing Kuminga or decide their current group is good enough.