Lakers reportedly outbid by Timberwolves for $48M ex-warriors NBA champion in free agency bust

The Los Angeles Lakers were the favorites to land Jonathan Kuminga for more than a week after the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade. The only other team battling LA for the 23-year-old NBA champion was the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Things seemed to be going well for LA, as they were finally about to land the player they had been chasing for two months. A move to acquire him seemed inevitable.

“Jonathan Kuminga landing with the Los Angeles Lakers seems inevitable at this point. On Tuesday, it appeared Kuminga had three suitors remaining in his free-agent sweepstakes: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers," New York Post's Valentina Martinez wrote.

In fact, the Lakers had started to revamp their sign-and-trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks. LA decided to add a new name to the potential trade package.

“Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade discussions between the Hawks and Lakers are picking up steam. With Atlanta still not interested in taking on Jarred Vanderbilt, LA is looking for facilitators to acquire Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht. The Lakers would send Atlanta draft capital," NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

On Wednesday night, Kuminga shocked the basketball world. The former Golden State Warriors champion chose to sign with the Timberwolves rather than the Lakers.

“Jonathan Kuminga has chosen the Timberwolves over the Lakers on a two-year deal, which includes a player option, per Shams Charania. A stunning turn of events as Minnesota lands the best remaining unrestricted free agent on the market,” Sidery wrote.

This is devastating news for LA, as Kuminga was expected to be its starting power forward, and the team felt like it was on the verge of landing him. However, things did not go that way, as Kuminga chose the team he believed gave him the most potential to succeed.

Kuminga has made $48 million throughout his career so far. The Timberwolves have had a successful offseason and are looking to truly compete for a championship. The Lakers missed out, while Minnesota struck gold.

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