Lakers, Timberwolves get major ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade timeline update

The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be looking to add another name or two to the roster for the upcoming season, but they also need to clear some space after exceeding the roster limit.

One name that has been increasingly linked to Los Angeles over the last couple of days is NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga. At this point, it appears increasingly likely that the Lakers could land him.

“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.

The Lakers have been trying to complete a sign-and-trade for Kuminga for the last couple of months. Over the last few days, it has become clearer which players could potentially be involved in getting a deal done.

“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 wrote.

At this point, it appears to be a matter of when, not if, the deal gets done. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer believes Kuminga’s situation will reach a conclusion very soon.

“Comes down to Minnesota or Los Angeles,” Fischer said. “Kuminga, I think, has seemed to prefer going to the Lakers. They have the most opportunity to negotiate there. That's going to come to some type of conclusion here soon. I thought it could have happened last week, but I still have been told nothing to suggest that Kuminga's situation is not coming down to the Lakers or the Timberwolves."

The Lakers would fill the final hole in their starting lineup if they finalize a sign-and-trade for Kuminga. He would be a major addition for Los Angeles, especially with the organization appearing to have big plans for him in its offense.

Kuminga has yet to receive a true opportunity to take the next step in his career, and Los Angeles could provide the perfect environment for that to happen. The 23-year-old has the potential to be a game-changer for the Lakers, and the organization appears ready to give him every opportunity to reach that potential.

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