Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[omahen]

Sounds like negotiating in the public.  I think there is at least some interest in PJ.  I think the mentions of Dallas and Rui lend credence to that.  But, LA doesn't like the asking price, so it tells the world how uninterested they are and how they have better options (like paying more for Kuminga?...not sure that is a good idea).

Rumors related to PJ have been very consistent, that Lakers are not interested in that contract. It was never mentioned that Lakers don't like the asking price or something like that. Hachimura would not change much, as Lakers would need to operate under the cap for his SnT and create additional cap space in size of the Rui contract. That would mean at least Vando and probably more salary being off the books, so basically same situation as it is today. Dallas could get Rui without this deal (he obviously preffered to stay in LA) and it wouldn't be any easier for Lakers to do the deal as it is today.

Reports so far are far from saying Lakers are offering more for Kuminga. Their reported offer was 20 mil for two years. More like prove it deal with the starting opportunity and big minutes that Kuminga will not get anywhere else. He will not be a starter in Atlanta or Cleveland. He could be in Milwaukee, if his interest is putting up big numbers on a bad team. Lakers could get to this number by creating more cap space. But, that ship has sailed since they formalized the Reaves deal. Since than it seems the interest has faded. While I don't really understand the Kuminga appeal, him at 10 per could make sense. At more, not so sure. 

While I am puzzled why Lakers don't have a better solution at wing for now, it seems pretty obvious they are very conservative in this move. At this point, my prediction is either Kuminga if SnT would not cost more than Vando and a FRP swap (unrealistic imho) or they run it with a vet min guy. In this scenario the fifth starter will be one of Vando, LaRavia, vet min guy or Mamu. Neither is obviously a good option, but I think it beats paying all remaining assets and next year MLE for one player.