Category: Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers Continue Pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga as Potential Starting Forward

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing their pursuit of forward Jonathan Kuminga, with the team viewing the former lottery pick as a potential starting forward, according to Shams Charania.   Kuminga has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ top targets as the franchise continues reshaping its roster around Luka Dončić. The Lakers are reportedly looking for athleticism, size, and two-way versatility on the wing — areas where Kuminga could immediately help.   The 23-year-old forward brings a combination of explosiveness, defensive versatility, and scoring upside. Last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2…

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Ziaire Williams Signs One-Year, $3 Million Contract With Los Angeles Lakers

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers have added another young wing to their roster, agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract with Ziaire Williams, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Williams, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, arrives in Los Angeles looking to capitalize on a fresh opportunity after spending last season with the Brooklyn Nets. Still just 24 years old, the 6-foot-9 forward possesses the size, length, and athleticism that have made him an intriguing developmental prospect since entering the league. While consistency has been a challenge early…

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Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga Share Mutual Interest in Free Agency

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers and unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga have mutual interest in a deal, according to Jovan Buha. Buha reports that Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes in an effort to secure Kuminga’s commitment as the franchise looks to strengthen its wing rotation for the 2026-27 season. Kuminga enters free agency as one of the more intriguing forwards on the market after the Atlanta Hawks declined to pick up his option, making him an unrestricted free agent. That gives the Lakers the opportunity to negotiate directly…

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Rui Hachimura Signs Two-Year, $28 Million Contract With Los Angeles Clippers

Brandon King

Free agent forward Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Hachimura and his agent, Darren Matsubara of THE•TEAM, reached an early understanding with the Clippers shortly after free agency opened, laying the groundwork for a deal well before it became official. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, both sides initially hoped the Los Angeles Lakers would work with the Clippers on a sign-and-trade that would allow Hachimura to remain in Los Angeles while providing compensation to the Lakers. However, the…

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Ric Bucher: Lakers Planned to Move On From LeBron James Since Luka Dončić Trade, Calls Rich Paul Claims ‘BS’

Brandon King

The apparent cessation of the relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers and the next stop in his playing career continues to be the most discussed topic of the NBA offseason, this side of the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga. The prevailing, and Klutch Sports-approved, narrative is that it was James who told the Lakers to soldier on without him, as he’d decided to continue his career elsewhere next season, however Ric Bucher is buying this story. Appearing on On The Ball With Ric Bucher, Bucher claimed the Lakers had…

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LeBron James Open to Minimum Contract With NBA Contender During Free Agency: Report

Brandon King

The NBA offseason may have just taken another stunning turn. According to Shams Charania, LeBron James is open to hearing pitches from teams around the league during free agency and would even be willing to accept a veteran minimum contract if it meant joining a legitimate championship contender. If true, this flies in the face of his previous stance earlier this offseason of not being willing to take a discounted deal. Additionally it calls into question claims made by LeBron’s agent and chief mouthpiece Rich Paul, who said there are…

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Lakers Go All-In: Walker Kessler Trade Leaves Los Angeles With No Tradeable First-Round Picks Through 2033

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers have made their intentions crystal clear: the future is now. Following their blockbuster acquisition of Walker Kessler, the Lakers have reportedly exhausted their supply of tradeable first-round draft picks over the next seven years. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Los Angeles has also committed approximately $475 million to a new core consisting of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. The move represents one of the boldest organizational pivots in recent franchise history. For years, the Lakers operated with one eye on maximizing LeBron James’…

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BREAKING: Lakers Land Walker Kessler in Blockbuster Trade with Jazz, Sign Center to $130M Deal

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a major splash in the trade market, acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a massive deal that reshapes both franchises, sources tell ESPN. Los Angeles is sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, to Utah in exchange for the young defensive anchor. Kessler is also set to sign a four-year, $130 million contract extension with the Lakers, which includes a player option in the fourth year and a full trade kicker,…

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Lakers’ Long-Term Vision Reportedly Didn’t Include LeBron James, Was Built Around Luka Dončić

Brandon King

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, on Oct. 6, 2024. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers’ future may have been decided long before the start of the 2026 offseason. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers met with franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić last summer and outlined their long-term vision for the organization. One of the biggest revelations from that meeting was who wasn’t part of those plans. “At that meeting they laid…

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LeBron James Tells Lakers to Move On, Will Play Elsewhere in 2026-27 Season, Per Shams Charania

Brandon King

The biggest domino of the 2026 NBA offseason may have just fallen. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, citing Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, four-time NBA champion LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers; that he intends to continue playing during the 2026-27 season—but not in Los Angeles. Rich Paul told ESPN that James has made a “happiness-led decision.” “I’m told this is a happiness-led decision for LeBron James. He feels like he needs to find his happiness. Wherever he lands in free agency, it will not be driven by…

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