LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are wheeling and dealing ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. They sit fifth in the West. They know a few upgrades could push them into genuine contention. That search for improvement has led Los Angeles to Jonathan Kuminga. According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Lakers made an offer of Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and a 2032 second-round pick for Jonathan Kuminga. This is clearly not enough to get a Kuminga trade done.
The Lakers Make “Hilarious” Offer For Jonathan kuminga
Pelinka’s Optionality Remains
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka preached optionality on Media Day earlier this season. He has not spoken recently. He has stayed quiet amid a “feud” between Jeanie Buss and LeBron James. We can assume his stance remains unchanged. His offer to Golden State supports that assumption.
The Lakers and Warriors have conducted brief trade discussions involving Jonathan Kuminga.
Los Angeles appears willing to offer the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber alongside a 2032 2nd-round pick.
Golden State is not showing any legit interest in LA’s assets. pic.twitter.com/6xv7uofCys
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 26, 2026
Why Golden State Won’t Bite
The Warriors have held onto Kuminga for far too long. They now operate with a strategy of getting immediate value. If Golden State rejected Malik Monk from Sacramento, they will not want Vincent. Vincent is smaller and a streakier shooter than Monk. Kleber makes sense on paper as a backup big. He often makes more sense on paper than on the court. The appeal of those players lies in their contracts.
What the Warriors Really Want
The Warriors can pursue cap relief after Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL. The Lakers should know a second-round pick will not move Golden State. The Warriors remain willing to move Kuminga. They want at least a first-round pick. That would give them assets for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. It remains to be seen if the Lakers will meet that price.
© William Liang-Imagn Images
