Lakers reportedly give ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga $45M contract update to end month-long pursuit

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era this upcoming season as the team officially becomes Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ team. The two stars will be tasked with leading the franchise back into championship contention.

Doncic and Reaves are heading into their third season together, but injuries have occasionally limited their availability. Now, for the first time in years, the Lakers will move forward without LeBron James on the roster.

“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.

Since James’ departure, the Lakers have been searching for a young wing to add alongside Doncic and Reaves. Former Golden State Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as one of their top targets, and Los Angeles is reportedly in a strong position to land him.

“There’s two teams [interested] right now. It’s the Cavs and the Lakers. I personally believe he will end up with the Lakers… He’s willing to hold out as long as possible… He wants somewhere in that sweet spot of $14-16 million,” NBA insider Brett Siegel said.

The biggest obstacle for Los Angeles has been getting Kuminga and his camp to agree on a realistic contract number. However, NBA reporter Evan Sidery reported that the Lakers made progress on Friday by presenting an offer.

“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 wrote.

If Kuminga signs a three-year deal worth around $45 million, it would equal approximately $15 million annually, which falls directly within the range he has reportedly been seeking. Earlier in free agency, Kuminga was reportedly looking for more than $20 million per season, a number that made negotiations much more difficult.

The NBA champion appears to understand that continuing to hold firm on a higher asking price could limit his options. With this latest offer on the table, both sides seem to be moving closer toward an agreement, and a deal could potentially be nearing completion.

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