The Los Angeles Lakers will have to pivot after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga, but there are still several potential options available as they look to finalize their roster. Kuminga ultimately chose to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves despite the Lakers reportedly offering him a starting role and a contract worth more than $12 million annually.
According to Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters, three players could now emerge as alternatives for Los Angeles: PJ Washington, De’Andre Hunter and Bruce Brown. Each would address a potential need for the Lakers, although the cost of acquiring them varies considerably.
PJ Washington
Washington may be the most intriguing option because the Lakers already know how he fits alongside Luka Doncic. The two played together with the Dallas Mavericks during their run to the 2024 NBA Finals, with Washington establishing himself as an important two-way piece next to Doncic.
Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game last season. His ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and contribute offensively would give Los Angeles some of the versatility it was hoping to add with Kuminga.
There are obstacles to a potential deal, particularly regarding Washington’s contract and Dallas’ asking price. Washington is under contract through the 2029-30 season and is set to make $19.8 million this upcoming season.
The Mavericks are believed to be open to moving Washington, but the price could ultimately prove too expensive for the Lakers. Los Angeles would also have to send out salary in a deal, with Peters mentioning Jarred Vanderbilt as one potential piece.
De’Andre Hunter
Hunter is another possible option on the wing and could be available if the Sacramento Kings try to lower their payroll and avoid the luxury tax. At 28, he would give the Lakers a big wing who can help on both offense and defense.
Hunter had a tough season recently, but his past shooting makes him an interesting fit with Doncic. He shot over 40 percent from three-point range in the 2024-25 season, which could give Doncic another dependable shooter on the outside.
At 6-foot-8, Hunter would also give Los Angeles additional size on the wing defensively. That could be particularly valuable for a Lakers roster that needs players capable of matching up with bigger perimeter scorers.
The biggest obstacle would once again be financial, as Hunter carries a $24.9 million cap hit. Los Angeles would have to send out significant salary to make a deal work, making a trade for Hunter a much larger commitment than simply adding a remaining free agent.
Bruce Brown
Brown is different from Washington and Hunter because the Lakers would not need to trade for him. At 30, he is an unrestricted free agent, so Los Angeles could add him without giving up players or draft picks.
Brown could give the Lakers another veteran who can defend on the perimeter, handle the ball, and score off the bench. He would also add depth behind Austin Reaves and bring championship experience from his time with the Denver Nuggets.
There is also plenty of history between Brown and the Lakers. Brown revealed last December that he planned to sign with Los Angeles following Denver’s 2023 championship run before the Indiana Pacers swooped in with a two-year, $40 million offer.
That flexibility could make Brown the easiest of the three players for Los Angeles to pursue. The Lakers could add another proven rotation player while maintaining more of their assets for a potential trade later in the season.
Los Angeles also doesn’t necessarily have to make a move before the season begins. With Kuminga no longer available, the Lakers could evaluate their current roster first and wait until closer to the trade deadline to determine exactly what they need around Doncic.
