Lakers get ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga timeline update for looming decision

The Los Angeles Lakers have been battling the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jonathan Kuminga for more than a month. Los Angeles views the former NBA champion as an ideal addition to pair alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The Lakers have intentionally built a younger core around their two stars, and one recent development could strengthen their chances of landing Kuminga. Cleveland appears to be shifting some of its attention elsewhere.

“The Cavaliers are now showing sign-and-trade interest in Peyton Watson, per Ramona Shelburne. James Harden remains unsigned, which allows Cleveland flexibility to add a starting wing like Watson or Jonathan Kuminga," NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

With the Cavaliers also pursuing Watson, the Lakers have a clearer path to Kuminga. Los Angeles has already put a new contract offer on the table for the young forward and his camp.

“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," Sidery wrote.

Negotiations have intensified over the past few days, and there is growing optimism that an agreement could be reached soon. Lakers insider Marc Jacobs reported that Kuminga could sign as early as this weekend.

“The Lakers and Hawks are reportedly working through a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade. Kuminga and his camp want Los Angeles, with sources believing a deal could be reached by the end of the weekend, per The Athletic,” Jacobs wrote.

The Lakers can finally sense that they are nearing the finish line in what has been a month-long pursuit. Kuminga is a highly intriguing young talent whom the organization believes would fit well alongside Reaves and Doncic.

Both sides appear to be making progress toward a realistic agreement. However, the Atlanta Hawks must also approve the framework of any sign-and-trade, and they have not made negotiations easy throughout the process.

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