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The Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for their fifth starter, as the process of finding their next power forward has been more complicated than expected. Los Angeles has been heavily pursuing NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga to fill that role.
The former Golden State Warriors forward has developed a reputation for being difficult to negotiate with, but the Lakers have remained aggressive and have 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," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
A deal for Kuminga would almost certainly need to come through a sign-and-trade, with the biggest question being which players Los Angeles would need to include. Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes Bronny James could become part of a potential trade package.
“Bronny has room to grow, and some team could take a shot on him. The 6’2 guard has yet to crack the nightly rotation, but shooting 38.6 percent from 3-point range in the NBA and being a plus-shooter in the G League should be enough for some team to offer a second-round draft pick for him. That alone could get a sign-and-trade done for Jonathan Kuminga,” Watts wrote.
James does provide upside and could become a valuable role player for another organization. He also holds a unique place in NBA history after sharing the court with his father, LeBron James, during his rookie season.
“When LeBron James made history two seasons ago, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, his eldest son, Bronny, was sitting courtside along the baseline. On Tuesday night, in the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron and Bronny made history by being on the court together,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.
A potential move would give Bronny a fresh opportunity with Atlanta or another team that acquires him. The young guard has shown flashes during his two seasons with the Lakers and has become a popular figure among fans in Los Angeles.
James is currently on a $7 million contract with the Lakers. Acquiring Kuminga remains one of Los Angeles' top priorities, and if moving Bronny helps complete a deal, the organization would likely be willing to make that decision.
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