The Los Angeles Lakers began their post-LeBron James path with a flurry of deals. When James announced his departure from the organization, Los Angeles needed to move on from the future Hall of Famer. After inking guard Austin Reaves to a long-term deal, the franchise traded for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and signed several role players in free agency.
The Lakers also traded center Deandre Ayton and let a number of free agents walk including Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Rui Hachimura among others. The Lakers’ front office has been busy, and they aren’t done making moves. However, the team’s pursuit of free-agent Jonathan Kuminga has reportedly stalled.
Lakers’ Talks With Jonathan Kuminga Hit a Roadblock
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka understands that, to compete in the Western Conference, his team needs to be as deep as they are talented. As a result, the franchise continues to push for talent upgrades, with Kuminga being a prized target. Dan Woike, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, discussed the status of Los Angeles’ Kuminga pursuit.
“The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios.”
In essence, he wants more than what Los Angeles wants to pay him. As a result, he appears to be pricing himself out of their range since they aren’t open to surrendering draft picks for a sign-and-trade. It remains to be seen if they can land Kuminga despite this roadblock.
“Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid,” Woike wrote. “Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.”
Kuminga turns 24 years old on October 6 yet he will be entering his sixth NBA season. He has experience playing in high-leverage, high-stakes situations from his time with the Golden State Warriors. In fact, he even won a championship ring during his stint in the Bay.
Matters are further complicated with the Lakers signing veteran Matisse Thybulle to a one-year contract. Thybulle essentially plays the same position as Kuminga but offers more defensively.
Whether the Lakers add Kuminga or not, their rotation will be significantly younger next season. Luka Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler are clearly the team’s cornerstones, but the team could use Kuminga as a wing finisher and complementary piece. As the Lakers continue to build a new identity and usher in the post-LeBron era, will they bridge the gap with Kuminga?
