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The Los Angeles Lakers have been in hot pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga since the start of free agency. Knowing LeBron James would not be returning, the Lakers quickly identified Kuminga as a player who could step into the starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The biggest concern surrounding Kuminga is whether he is ready to embrace the physical role the Lakers would need him to play.
“The most important thing is Kuminga’s mindset, his commitment to playing the role that the Lakers need from him. They need him to be their Aaron Gordon, their Andrew Wiggins. Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. “And I don’t know if he is ready to commit to that role. You also see the downside. If he’s not rebounding, if he’s not making the extra pass, if he’s not playing team basketball then it’s just the wrong fit.”
Despite those concerns, the Lakers remain intrigued by Kuminga’s upside. Los Angeles has already put a contract offer on the table for the former NBA champion.
“The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a contract via sign-and-trade that would pay him around $45 million. Los Angeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for Kuminga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
While the negotiations have dragged on for the Lakers and everyone else involved, it appears Los Angeles has emerged as the favorite to land Kuminga.
“A resolution on Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency could come this week. The Lakers are viewed as the favorites, but don’t rule out the Timberwolves as a realistic option. Kuminga might end up betting on himself taking a 1-year deal playing alongside LaMelo Ball + Anthony Edwards,” Sidery wrote.
The process has been prolonged by negotiations between Kuminga’s camp and the Atlanta Hawks. However, with the finish line seemingly in sight, Kuminga could soon find himself joining one of the NBA’s most exciting young cores.
Kuminga earned $46 million last season with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. His athleticism and versatility would make him a strong fit alongside Doncic and Reaves, which is why the Lakers are expected to continue doing everything they can to get a deal completed.
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