Los Angeles Lakers push for Jonathan Kuminga while adding Kevon Looney

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Kevon Looney to a one‑year, $3.9 million contract, adding championship experience to a roster that has already acquired Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy and traded away Deandre Ayton.

The team continues to target former Hawks and Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga. Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick have met with Kuminga, offering roughly $10 million annually, well below the $25 million‑plus level the 23‑year‑old is seeking. Because the Lakers have virtually no cap space after recent sign‑and‑trades, they are exploring a sign‑and‑trade with Atlanta. The Hawks, who declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option and retain his Bird rights, have indicated willingness to facilitate a deal that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first‑round pick swap to Atlanta. The three‑year contract requirement for sign‑and‑trades adds a further complication. Despite these hurdles, insiders say the Lakers remain committed to adding Kuminga as a potential starting wing to complement Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.