The Los Angeles Lakers end a two-month pursuit of forward Jonathan Kuminga after he agrees to a two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Multiple outlets report the Lakers are left without a key addition and must shift focus to other ways to address their frontcourt depth as the season approaches.
Reporting also highlights the Lakers’ financial constraints and roster situation. The New York Post notes the Lakers are near the NBA’s first-apron threshold and are hard-capped for the 2026-27 season, with 16 players already under guaranteed contracts, which limits free-agency flexibility. Other coverage frames the setback as part of a broader need to identify “Plan B” options.
While sources agree Kuminga signs with Minnesota and the Lakers must pivot, they differ in emphasis on potential next targets. The New York Post points to veteran guard Bruce Brown as a possible name in the Lakers’ mix. Yahoo Sports articles focus more generally on what comes next for roster planning and who the Lakers could pursue to fill the forward/big-man gap.
