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The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the busiest teams this offseason after four-time NBA champion LeBron James informed the franchise he would not be returning. Since then, Los Angeles has focused on building its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers have nearly exhausted all of their offseason moves, but one significant addition could still be on the way. Los Angeles and Jonathan Kuminga have expressed mutual interest in joining forces.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.
The two sides have been working toward a deal for more than a week. However, the Lakers signed young wing Ziaire Williams earlier this week.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to sign Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday. Williams, 24, will join an overhauled frontcourt that lost forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura in free agency. The 6-foot-9 forward, who averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season, will give Lakers coach JJ Redick added length and versatility off the bench,” ESPN’s Ben Golliver wrote.
Williams' signing has put Kuminga’s potential future with the Lakers in question. However, Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters believes Los Angeles could still acquire Kuminga by trading Dalton Knecht in a sign-and-trade deal.
“Since all of the roster spots are now filled, the Lakers would need to shed a player or two to make room for Kuminga, who reportedly is eyeing a deal worth $25 million per year. Los Angeles could look to move off of a player like Dalton Knecht. Knecht is still on a rookie deal and carries a $4.2 million cap hit next year,” Peters wrote.
Such a move would create the roster flexibility the Lakers need to bring in Kuminga, which remains the biggest obstacle to completing a deal. It would also give Knecht the fresh start he has reportedly been seeking.
Kuminga spent last season on a $46 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded by the Golden State Warriors following his reported frustration with his role and playing time. The NBA champion could be poised for a breakout season if the Lakers are ultimately able to complete a deal for him.
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