Lakers get promising ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga update amid free agency saga

The Los Angeles Lakers have been in pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga for well over a month and still have not been able to finalize a deal. Throughout the process, it has been a battle between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The biggest obstacle has been Kuminga's contract demands, as his camp is seeking a salary that neither team has been willing to meet. On top of that, negotiating a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks has proven to be difficult.

“Whatever deal could happen will likely be a sign-and-trade. So that's where both the Lakers and Cavs would need the Hawks to work with them on a Kuminga deal. They would also have to get Kuminga on the same page with them all in a potential deal," ESPN's Shams Charania said.

Kuminga initially sought more than $20 million annually, but both the Lakers and Cavaliers have been unwilling to reach that figure. A more realistic contract appears to fall in the $15-18 million range.

“Jonathan Kuminga's realistic salary range is believed to be around $15-18 million annually. Neither the Cavaliers nor Lakers are willing to offer $20+ million per year, which was the original asking price. A sign-and-trade with Kuminga is gathering momentum behind the scenes," NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

For much of the offseason, it appeared the Cavaliers had the upper hand in the race for Kuminga. However, Cleveland has reportedly shifted some of its attention toward Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson as another sign-and-trade option.

“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,” Sidery wrote.

The Lakers have remained in the mix throughout the process, but Cleveland was widely viewed as the more attractive destination for Kuminga. If the Cavaliers ultimately pivot to Watson, the Lakers could find themselves with far less competition for Kuminga's services.

It would also leave Kuminga with fewer options, potentially increasing the urgency to reach an agreement before the market narrows even further. As things currently stand, the Lakers appear to be in the driver's seat to land the former Warriors forward.

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