It is no secret that the Lakers are heading into next season with a much different roster than they had a year ago. Los Angeles is prioritizing younger players as it looks to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers have been active this summer in an effort to construct the best roster possible. One player they have pursued for quite some time is Jonathan Kuminga.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
As time has passed, the Lakers and Kuminga have been unable to agree on a deal. With each passing day, it appears increasingly likely that Kuminga will have no choice but to stay in Atlanta.
“Returning to the Hawks doesn’t feel like an option for Kuminga. If LeBron goes to Cleveland, I have no idea what options other than the Lakers he has. If he wants to get paid a reasonable amount, he’s gotta be hoping Atlanta changes the stance they currently have on a S&T,” Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin posted.
While the possibility of the Lakers and Kuminga teaming up now appears slim, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes Los Angeles missed its opportunity to complete a sign-and-trade.
“The Lakers could 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 have gotten in on the trade… what they (Lakers) could have payed him, would have been less than the mid level,” Windhorst said.
Kuminga was reportedly the Lakers' top priority two weeks ago, but it now appears the organization is comfortable moving forward without him. Since then, Los Angeles has signed both Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle to inexpensive deals.
Kuminga is now likely hoping LeBron James does not sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Lakers had interest in adding Kuminga, they ultimately may not have valued him enough to make a deal during the window that was available. It's also possible Los Angeles simply missed its opportunity.
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