Lakers hit major hiccup in pursuit of ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga amid Peyton Watson deal image
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to finish free agency on the right foot by adding another player they believe can benefit the team in the future. Los Angeles has already added several pieces at the beginning of free agency that should help the team moving forward.
The Lakers are entering a new era centered around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and they appear to have serious momentum toward landing Jonathan Kuminga.
“Significant momentum is now building towards Jonathan Kuminga soon finalizing a contract with the Lakers. With the Cavaliers choosing Peyton Watson instead, Kuminga's options are now limited to Los Angeles or the Timberwolves. Kuminga's preferred landing spot is the Lakers," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Kuminga appears increasingly likely to land with the Lakers after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Peyton Watson, removing one of his biggest potential suitors.
“Denver is trading Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers and will receive Cleveland's 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-rounder from the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs are sending Max Strus to the Los Angeles Clippers, which gives them the flexibility to sign Watson to a four-year, $88 million contract. There were multiple other minor moves involved to complete the deal, including the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets," Bleacher Report's Joseph Zucker wrote.
However, there could be a slight problem standing in the way of Los Angeles getting the former NBA champion. The Atlanta Hawks reportedly do not want to take back any players in a potential sign-and-trade and would prefer draft capital instead.
“In a potential sign-and-trade framework involving Jonathan Kuminga, the Hawks would likely prefer not to take back any players. Atlanta is reportedly open to facilitating a sign-and-trade for Kuminga, but they already have 17 rostered players under standard contracts,” NBA writer Jake Weinbach wrote.
The Lakers could potentially send draft capital to Atlanta, but that is where things get complicated. Los Angeles has already surrendered significant draft assets in its trade for Walker Kessler, leaving the team with limited capital to use in another deal. That adds another layer to the already complicated Kuminga saga.
Just when the Lakers appear to be closing in on another major addition, they have encountered another obstacle. Los Angeles is also currently at 16 roster spots, meaning the team would need to make another move to create room for Kuminga.
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