While the Los Angeles Lakers would love to acquire a win-now asset during the trade season, they may have to be content with landing a project with massive potential. 

A promising 6-foot-7 NBA champion could be on the Lakers’ radar this year. 

“The Golden State Warriors are eager to add star-power, which probably comes at the expense of Jonathan Kuminga,” Fansided’s Christopher Kline wrote Saturday.

“This isn’t to say Los Angeles can hand the Warriors a star — apologies to the LeBron (James) and Steph (Curry) dreamers — but the Lakers can hand Golden State a first-round pick or two, perhaps a young piece, and more flexibility for future dealings.” 

“Not every team dealing with Golden State is going to want to extend Kuminga; flipping him for more tradable picks is a logical alternative.”

“Los Angeles does not have a pressing need for a player in Kuminga’s mold. He’s a middling three-point shooter at best, with a game oriented around straight-line drives, power finishes, and the occasional mid-range flourish.”

“Kuminga’s passing chops and general floor processing still have a ways to go, and the defense is more theoretical than actual right now.”

“Still, it’s hard to find 6-foot-8 athletes of Kuminga’s caliber. His strength, quickness, and coordination suggest legitimate star upside, and he’s still just 22 years old in his fourth NBA season.” 

“Frankly, there are parallels with Rui Hachimura, whose game was immediately elevated to the next level upon his arrival in LA. Maybe the Lakers can chart a similar success story with Kuminga, whose ceiling is much higher.”

There’s no question Kuminga’s fourth NBA campaign has been far from perfect. 

From receiving heavy criticism from Steve Kerr to pouring in 34 points in back-to-back games, the former lottery pick has experienced his fair share of highs and lows. 

Overall, though, Kuminga has given Kerr and the Warriors plenty of reasons to invest in his future. 

Kuminga, a frightening athlete in the open court with the footspeed to succeed on both ends of the floor, averages 16.1 points per game on 44.7% field goal shooting this season. 

Kuminga’s three-point shooting efficiency is still a work in progress, but his appealing upside may compel the Lakers to take a chance on the young wing. 

More NBA: Warriors may cut ties with prized $134 million duo in favor of Heat superstar