Home / Sports / Lakers Eye LaVine Over Kuminga? Analyst's Bold Take
Lakers Eye LaVine Over Kuminga? Analyst's Bold Take
11 Aug
Summary
- Lakers seek a power forward for 2026-27 season, considering Kuminga and LaVine.
- Analyst suggests passing on Kuminga due to commitment concerns.
- Zach LaVine's availability is uncertain, with a buyout unlikely from Sacramento.
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to fill their power forward position for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. While names like Jonathan Kuminga have been discussed, potential contract disagreements and concerns about his commitment have led to alternative suggestions.
Analyst George Sedano has proposed that the Lakers should consider pursuing Zach LaVine if he becomes available from the Sacramento Kings. Sedano highlighted perceived maturity issues with Kuminga during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, deeming him a potential "hassle."
LaVine, a two-time All-Star with a career scoring average of nearly 21 points, is under contract with the Kings. However, speculation about a potential buyout has persisted, although recent reports indicate Sacramento is not planning to buy out his contract and expects him to play the final year of his deal.
The Kings signed LaVine to a five-year, $215.2 million contract in 2022, and he exercised a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season. A buyout would be financially challenging due to his substantial salary, and the Kings have been reluctant to use the stretch provision.
The Lakers have also been loosely linked to DeMar DeRozan, another former Kings player, but he is reportedly drawing interest from the Miami Heat, a team also mentioned as a potential suitor for LaVine.
