If the Los Angeles Lakers really wanted Jonathan Kuminga, it feels like they would have made a move to ensure they actually did so. Unfortunately for the Lakers and Kuminga, there are some hurdles for both sides.
Kuminga is obviously looking to get a decent contract, while the Lakers aren't really in a position to move the necessary assets to land a player like him at the moment. Unfortunately for Kuminga, there are still far more questions than answers about his game, and that raises a whole lot of concerns for teams like the Lakers.
However, one reporter recently said the quiet part out loud. Per the latest report, the Lakers could have done a sign-and-trade deal for Kuminga two weeks ago when they moved on from Deandre Ayton in a deal with the Washington Wizards.
However, the Lakers didn't go in that direction and signed Ziaire Williams shortly after, showing that they might not actually want Kuminga.
“The Lakers could actually have done a sign-and-trade for Kuminga two weeks ago. When the Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Wizards, there was a window where the Hawks could’ve gotten in on the sign-and-trade. … There was a window for the Lakers to do a deal to get Jonathan Kuminga, but what they could’ve paid him would’ve been less than the midlevel (exception).
“Just know that was the window to get to L.A. was when they sent Ayton to Washington. And by the way, after they sent Ayton to Washington, they then went out and signed Ziaire Williams, a wing. I am not saying Ziaire Williams is better than Kuminga, but they moved on and signed a wing,” Brian Windhorst said, H/T Heavy.
I don't think Williams and Kuminga are comparable in terms of one being better than the other, as Kuminga certainly has much more upside than Williams.
However, I actually like Williams' game and think he's a decent player. If that was the Lakers' idea, they did the right thing here.
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