Jonathan Kuminga appeared destined for a move to the Los Angeles Lakers for weeks, only for the former Golden State Warriors forward to turn around and sign a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
It leaves the Lakers with a major hole at the forward position that won't be easily filled, and one the Warriors can instantly exploit when the two teams meet on opening night in Los Angeles on October 21.
Jonathan Kuminga leaves Lakers with forward issue Warriors can exploit
The Lakers strongly pursued Kuminga with the promise of a big role in a fairly uncertain forward rotation. Yet the former Warrior turned down a bigger financial offer from the Purple and Gold, preferring the opportunity to play in Minnesota alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and company.
Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt are the only two power forwards on the Lakers roster, while free agent signing Sandro Mamukelashivili will undoubtedly play minutes there despite playing almost predominantly as a small-ball five in Toronto last season.
As for the small forward spot, JJ Redick may slide Quentin Grimes there despite arguably being more of a two, and Matisse Thybulle is an option yet has only played in 45 combined games over the last two years. Ziaire Williams, Adiou Theiro and first-round pick Cam Carr could earn minutes off the bench, but they're unlikely to put any fear into Steve Kerr and the Warriors.
Golden State would feel far better about the opening night matchup if Jimmy Butler was available. The injured six-time All-Star had 31 points, five rebounds and four assists on opening night against the Lakers last season, and would have likely feasted against this underwhelming forward rotation. Even Kuminga himself, then a member of the Warriors, had 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Warriors still have options to exploit Lakers forward rotation
As much as Butler's absence will hurt Golden State's chances, they still have the pieces to exploit the opposing forward rotation on opening night. Gui Santos will likely be a primary offensive option in Butler's absence, while 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg could be too physical in some of these matchups despite his stature as a rookie.
On the other end of the floor, Draymond Green may be able to roam a little bit more freely without having to defend LeBron James anymore, or he could even take the Luka Doncic matchup if he's feeling motivated on opening night.
The Lakers actually needed Kuminga. Now without him, the Warriors can look to take advantage early in the season with another matchup on October 30 that will be the first group game of the NBA Cup.
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