According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are continuing to go after forward Jonathan Kuminga. They have a hole at the starting wing or forward position, and it seems like they believe Kuminga, who is 23 years of age and has lots of room for improvement, can fill that role to their satisfaction.
There have been conflicting reports about what has been getting in their way of acquiring Kuminga. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports wrote that the Atlanta Hawks, the team Kuminga finished last season with, don’t want Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt in a potential sign-and-trade deal. Keith Smith, on the other hand, wrote that the Hawks are willing to take back Vanderbilt and that the snag is that Kuminga would prefer a one-year contract if he can’t get a three-year contract at his preferred price point.
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The former lottery pick is thought to want a deal that would pay him over $20 million a year. According to NBA rules, a free agent acquired in a sign-and-trade deal must be given a contract that runs at least three years.
Insider Jake Fischer gave his own update via The Stein Line Substack.
“Sources say that the Lakers would still like to sign Kuminga and make him their starting small forward … provided that the 23-year-old is ultimately willing to accept a contract structure on the Lakers’ terms.
“Will the two sides be able to find a middle ground? The risk for the Lakers, of course, is that Cleveland has not gone away and who knows if a new Kuminga suitor or two materializes should the summer drag on without a resolution.
“I have been repeatedly told by league sources familiar with the teams’ dynamic that the Lakers and Hawks never held meaningful discussions on a sign-and-trade proposal that would have landed Kuminga with the Lakers in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap. It has also been stressed to me that Kuminga, to this point in free agency, isn’t looking to be boxed into a three-year structure (as required by league rules to complete a sign-and-trade) at a number he deems below his market value.
“There’s optimism within the Kuminga camp, even after last summer’s seemingly interminable wait for a new deal with Golden State in restricted free agency, that there could be more movement and more earning potential as the offseason unfolds.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been mentioned as another team that wants Kuminga. They just signed Mario Hezonja and could have at least a portion of their taxpayer mid-level exception available.
There seems to be a chance that at some point later this summer, Kuminga may have no choice but to accept a one-year deal at a substantially low number, perhaps the veteran minimum salary, and look to cash in on a longer-term contract next summer. The Lakers could only offer him a veteran minimum deal in the absence of a sign-and-trade agreement with Atlanta.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Jake Fischer gives update on Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga
