The relationship (or whatever there is) between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga has reached its breaking point, and an unlikely rival is looking to capitalize: the Los Angeles Lakers. According to most reports, both parties are looking to part ways before the trade deadline this February.

“The Lakers, according to sources, did call Golden State about Kuminga during the sides’ summer standoff in restricted free agency,” veteran NBA reporter Jake Fischer reported via The Stein Line. “I’m told that the Lakers have likewise continued to monitor Kuminga’s situation while casting a wide net to try to find help on a very limited wing market.”

Internally, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers have a strong preference towards 3-and-D wings with size and are looking to acquire one in the near future. The team seeks to add a capable point-of-attack threat on defense, while also being a solid shooter who can function alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. It’s a scarce archetype, and, as Fischer pointed out, that market is limited league-wide.

With the Warriors, Kuminga’s future has remained unsettled. After signing a two-year deal this summer following lengthy contract negotiations in the offseason, the youngster’s role has fluctuated, even falling out of Steve Kerr’s rotation at various points. While the team hasn’t spoken about their desire to move him, they’re navigating a core with championship aspirations, and moving on from him for contributing pieces is very likely.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have struggled on defense all season. The team has the league’s eighth-worst defensive rating at 117.5, the second-highest among teams seeded in the top six or higher in their conference. Head coach JJ Redick has publicly expressed his frustration, and the team has been linked to a variety of wing defenders. That said, how does Lakers Nation feel about Kuminga being linked to LA?

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Lakers fans cannot believe what they are reading as Jonathan Kuminga trade rumors surface

Social media was extremely critical of the Jonathan Kuminga-Lakers trade connection, with fans firing back immediately. Many struggled to reconcile LA’s search for reliable 3-and-D wings with Kuminga’s actual profile in the Bay.

“He really can’t do much but drive to the paint in a fast paced offense,” a fan wrote.

The reaction captured a broader concern about fit. The Lakers’ offense already revolves around ball-dominant creators, and fans were skeptical that Kuminga‘s already poor shooting on limited attempts would translate to slower possessions in the playoffs.

Another reaction from this corner was far more blunt, pushing back against the label being attached to Kuminga.

“Kuminga is legit neither 3 nor D, what tf am I reading 😭.”

The issue is role definition. Kuminga has shot 32% on 2.8 attempts this season and has poor defensive stats despite his size and frame, as well as fluctuating engagement on that end, making him a risky option for the Lakers.

Others zoomed in on mentality and coachability, tapping into narratives that have followed the 23-year-old throughout his Warriors tenure.

“His ‘Me Me Me First’ attitude is what’s kept many GMs from dealing for JK – the @warriors have been trying to shed this guy fr their roster for 2 years now…”

That sentiment frames his time in the Bay as a warning sign. If Kuminga struggled to embrace a smaller role for the team’s success, fans questioned how things would go with Redick, who has preached a team-first sentiment since joining the Lakers.

As the reactions intensified, some Lakers fans drew a firm line in the sand for GM Rob Pelinka.

“Hell nah ROB DONT YOU DARE TRADE FOR THIS GUY.”

That urgency stemmed from fatigue, lingering concerns from the Lakers’ already poor roster building, and the fear of committing assets to a player whose fit might just require too many adjustments.

Others framed it more cynically, focusing on usage instead of sentiment.

“If he doesn’t enjoy playing with Steph, what makes you think he’ll enjoy standing in the corner to watch Luka and Reaves dribble 😭.”

The Warriors already run a motion-heavy offense that leans into Kuminga’s strengths as a cutter, and he’s had trouble consistently making his place there. Many questioned whether a similar, or even greater, level of tension would arise when he’s next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.