Lakers evaluate fifth starter options following failed pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 11:07 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026-27 season with an open starting position after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga, who signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coaching staff must now finalize the first unit to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and Quentin Grimes. Available candidates for the final spot include Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. Each player offers a distinct skill set, ranging from Mamukelashvili’s offensive versatility to Thybulle’s defensive disruption. The organization has until training camp begins next month to determine the role distribution and finalize the starting lineup rotation.
- •Jonathan Kuminga joined the Timberwolves after a failed acquisition attempt by the Lakers.
- •Sandro Mamukelashvili joins the team on a four-year, $52 million contract.
- •Matisse Thybulle led the league in steals and deflections per 36 minutes in 2025-26.
- •Jake LaRavia is a candidate due to his defensive versatility and connective offensive skills.
- •Training camp begins in one month to determine the finalized starting rotation.
- 11:07 PMYahoo Sports — Who should be Lakers’ fifth starter after failed Jonathan Kuminga pursuit?
"The Lakers coming up short in their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, who’s joining the Timberwolves, will have a trickle-down effect on the rest of their roster. One of the biggest...
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