The Los Angeles Lakers have reached out to the Golden State Warriors with a trade proposal for Jonathan Kuminga ahead of the February 5 deadline, but the offer has been met with outright dismissal—and some are calling it downright disrespectful.
According to ESPN insider Evan Sidery, the Lakers put forward a package centered on the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, plus a distant 2032 second-round pick. The Warriors, per the report, have shown “zero legit interest” in the proposal, leaving many around the league stunned at how little Los Angeles appears to value the 23-year-old forward.
Kuminga, currently sidelined indefinitely with a bone bruise, is still viewed by most teams as a high-upside young talent on a team-friendly deal (with a team option for 2026-27). Yet the Lakers’ offer provides almost no immediate help or meaningful assets for Golden State. Vincent has struggled mightily with injuries and efficiency this season, shooting just 33% from the field. Kleber, now 33 and soon to turn 34, has been even less effective in limited minutes with the Lakers, connecting on only 32% of his shots and looking far removed from his impactful years in Dallas.
For a Warriors team that ranks second in the league in bench scoring and boasts emerging contributors like Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and rookie Quinten Post, adding either Vincent or Kleber makes little sense. Critics have labeled the proposal “insulting,” arguing it undervalues Kuminga’s potential and offers Golden State virtually nothing in return.
Some believe the talks could gain traction if the Lakers sweetened the deal with Rui Hachimura, who is enjoying a career year from beyond the arc (42.7% from three) and carries an expiring $18.2 million contract—making him an appealing low-risk addition for Golden State.
The Lakers are not alone in pursuing Kuminga. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks have also registered serious interest, while earlier speculation about the New Orleans Pelicans has been firmly shot down by sources close to the team.
For their part, the Warriors are reportedly targeting specific players in any Kuminga deal. From Sacramento, they covet defensive standout Keon Ellis and could even be open to absorbing Malik Monk’s contract. In discussions with Dallas, Golden State has expressed interest in Daniel Gafford and/or Naji Marshall—both of whom have drawn widespread attention around the league and would likely command a first-round pick from most suitors.
With Kuminga’s recent injury further clouding his trade value, the Warriors’ leverage appears limited. They may ultimately have to settle for a modest return if they decide to move him before the deadline, shifting their focus fully toward a playoff push with the core they have.
As February 5 approaches, one thing is clear: the Lakers’ opening bid has set off a firestorm of criticism—and the Warriors are in no rush to accept pennies on the dollar for one of their most promising young pieces.