Amazing news! The Lakers are targeting Kuminga! A 3-for-1 trade proposal has been revealed.

What? The Lakers are actually interested in Kuminga?

Insider Fischer recently reported,The Lakers have been closely monitoring Kuminga and even reached out to the Warriors last summer to ask about him.

The American media Sports Illustrated couldn’t hold back and offered a trade proposal as follows:

Warriors receive Rui Hachimura + Hayes + 2031 first-round pick swap rights;

Lakers acquire Kuminga.

Another trade idea involves the Lakers sending Rui Hachimura + Knecht + 2028 swap rights, still aiming to get Kuminga.

It’s not surprising that the Lakers want Kuminga since they’ve been seeking wing players. Unfortunately, their previous targets were either too expensive or unavailable, so they had to settle for alternatives.

For example, Wiggins, a 2022 champion (averaging 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks), has never been on the Heat’s trade list despite their 20-19 record and 8th place in the East; and Jones (9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals) is demanded by the Pelicans (9-32, last in the West) for two first-round picks plus a promising young player.

Born on October 6, 2002, Kuminga was the 7th overall pick in the 2021 first round. He becomes eligible for trade starting the 15th of this month. This season, he has played 18 games, starting 13, averaging 24.8 minutes, 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 43.1%, 32%, and 74.1% respectively, though he hasn’t appeared in the last 12 games.

From a pure talent perspective, Kuminga (23 years old) can’t even be swapped one-for-one with Hachimura (27 years old, averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds), but Kuminga’s youth and potential make him valuable. Plus, Hachimura is in a contract year this season with no renewal plans, meaning if he’s not traded, the Lakers risk losing him for nothing in the offseason.

In any case, whether Kuminga and Hachimura swap teams or not, both players are likely to change teams around mid-season.

These next couple of months are the busiest period for player movement. The real NBA highlight is the trade deadline, which falls on February 6th Beijing time. Get your popcorn ready.