Lakers predicted to outbid Cavaliers, Timberwolves for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, young star

There is no secret about who the Los Angeles Lakers have prioritized throughout the summer after their initial wave of free agency. LA has been all in on former NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga, who remains a restricted free agent.

Kuminga has played plenty of games against the Lakers throughout his career, so the organization knows exactly what he can bring to the table. The Cleveland Cavaliers had been the biggest threat to Los Angeles, but they have since turned their attention elsewhere.

“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,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings also entered the picture, but Kuminga is not interested in accepting a veteran minimum deal.

“Jonathan Kuminga is not willing to sign with any team on a one-year prove-it deal at the veteran’s minimum. The Kings and Timberwolves recently expressed interest in Kuminga, but the minimum salary made negotiations a no-go. The Lakers remain the favorites to acquire Kuminga,” Sidery posted.

With that in mind, the Lakers appear to be the clear frontrunner. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes Los Angeles could get a deal done for Kuminga before the offseason comes to an end.

“Whether Jonathan Kuminga belongs here has little to do with his value as a player. We have yet to see him deliver complementary offense, rebounding and defense for an entire season on top of his from-scratch proclivities, but the physical tools and semi-extended stretches of highest-percentile actualization remain tantalizing. Potential cost is the only barrier for entry. He could be someone that gets more than the $6.1 million mini MLE, particularly if the Atlanta Hawks are willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade,” Favale wrote.

There is no doubt that Kuminga could bolster the Lakers’ roster, but it ultimately comes down to whether the two sides can agree on a contract. Los Angeles knows the NBA champion has yet to fully break out on the offensive end, but the potential remains enticing.

Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season. Los Angeles’ biggest pitch throughout the summer has been that playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could help him flourish offensively. Landing Kuminga would give the Lakers another major piece and build even further on what has already been an impressive offseason.

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