Lakers get major update on ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga's prolonged free agency

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers have been the two teams most aggressively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga since the beginning of free agency. It has been a rollercoaster of a process, as Kuminga and his camp have remained firm on the type of contract they are seeking.

However, Cleveland now appears to be backing away from Kuminga, believing he may not be worth the lengthy negotiations. Instead, the Cavaliers have shifted their focus toward restricted free agent Peyton Watson.

“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schröder alongside a future swap. The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Lakers are well aware of Cleveland's change in direction and have become even more aggressive in their pursuit of Kuminga. Los Angeles has reportedly already put an offer on the table.

“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 posted.

With Cleveland now focused on Watson and the Lakers continuing to prioritize Kuminga, momentum appears to be building toward the former NBA champion ending up in Los Angeles. A deal could come together sooner rather than later.

“Jonathan Kuminga remains the Lakers’ top free agent target before finishing their offseason. As the Cavaliers have pivoted to chasing Peyton Watson, Kuminga is the sole focus currently for Los Angeles. There could soon be momentum gathering on Kuminga to LA via sign-and-trade,” Sidery wrote.

A move to Los Angeles makes plenty of sense for Kuminga. The Lakers envision him as their starting power forward alongside Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Walker Kessler.

The pursuit has been a lengthy one for the Lakers, but there is growing belief that they are closing in on a deal. The biggest hurdle remains finding a trade package that satisfies the Atlanta Hawks.

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