The Los Angeles Lakers have already filled 13 roster spots after a busy start to NBA free agency this week, meaning the majority of their offseason work is effectively complete. Following a series of moves, including the arrivals of Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, the franchise has now used up its available cap space.
Key Highlights
- The Los Angeles Lakers have already filled 13 roster spots following an active NBA free agency period this week.
- Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton headline their offseason additions, leaving limited cap space.
- The Lakers are reportedly exploring ways to add another wing, with Rui Hachimura and Jonathan Kuminga emerging as key targets.
- Creating cap flexibility may require trades or using the stretch provision on Deandre Ayton or Jarred Vanderbilt.
Lakers Nearing Completion of Roster Build
However, despite being financially restricted, Los Angeles is still believed to be searching for one final addition to round out the roster. Reports suggest the Lakers are targeting another wing player, which could open the door for either Rui Hachimura to return or a move for Jonathan Kuminga, both of whom remain unsigned.
Limited Pathways to Add New Talent
At present, the Lakers’ only direct method of signing additional players is through veteran minimum contracts due to their cap situation. However, there are alternative routes to create flexibility, including making another trade or using the stretch provision on existing contracts.
One possibility being discussed is moving on from Deandre Ayton or Jarred Vanderbilt via the stretch provision to open up additional cap space. Ayton recently opted into the final year of his $8.1 million deal, while Vanderbilt is under contract for $12.2 million next season and holds a player option worth $13.2 million for 2027–28.
Hachimura Return Emerges as Possibility
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers could be actively exploring these mechanisms specifically to facilitate a potential reunion with Rui Hachimura. The fact that Hachimura remains unsigned has led league observers to speculate whether Los Angeles is preparing a roster adjustment or financial restructuring to bring him back into the fold.
Kuminga Also on Lakers’ Radar Amid Market Uncertainty
Jonathan Kuminga has also emerged as a potential target, with the forward reportedly drawing interest from the Lakers as they look to strengthen their wing rotation. Kuminga recently saw his $24.3 million team option declined by the Atlanta Hawks, making him available as an unrestricted free agent.
However, his contract expectations remain unclear, and with limited cap space across the league, his market could be shaped by which teams are able to create financial flexibility. For the Lakers, any serious pursuit of Kuminga would likely depend on whether they can free up additional cap space through trades or roster restructuring.
Stretch Provision Could Define Lakers’ Final Move
While no decision has been made, the possibility of using the stretch provision remains under consideration to reshape the roster. If the Lakers do move forward with such a strategy, it would open the door for a meaningful late-offseason addition, with both Hachimura and Kuminga viewed as players who could make an immediate impact next season.
