Lakers still pursuing $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion to pair with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves image
The Los Angeles Lakers have undoubtedly made Jonathan Kuminga a top priority this summer as they continue building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. However, the situation has been less than ideal, as coming to terms with Kuminga has proven to be a difficult process.
Kuminga’s camp is seeking a certain contract, but no team appears willing to meet his asking price. As a result, negotiations with the Lakers have stalled time and time again.
“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," The Athletic's Dan Woike wrote.
The Lakers have put an offer on the table for Kuminga, but the two sides remain apart on the value of the deal.
“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.
Despite the prolonged negotiations and questions surrounding whether the Lakers will ultimately land Kuminga, Los Angeles remains very interested. ESPN’s Anthony Slater still believes the Lakers are the most motivated team pursuing the former Warriors forward.
“The Lakers are sitting there still as the hungriest suitor but also knowing at this point there is not necessarily a reason to throttle forward and blow out the rest of your assets and trying to get him every last dollar he wants,” said Slater.
It would be a major disappointment for the Lakers if Kuminga ultimately lands elsewhere, especially considering how heavily they have pursued him throughout the summer. However, Los Angeles does not appear to have a package that the Atlanta Hawks are willing to accept at this point.
Kuminga was on a $46 million contract before the Hawks declined his team option. The former NBA champion is looking to expand his game, and playing alongside Doncic and Reaves could give him the opportunity to do exactly that.
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