Jonathan Kuminga’s decision is closing in, and the Lakers may have the inside track.
After more than a month of speculation around a possible sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the chatter around Los Angeles has shifted from if to when. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Kuminga’s choice is expected to come soon now that the field has been narrowed to two teams: the Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Earlier this week, a report said Kuminga prefers the Lakers over the Timberwolves, though a sign-and-trade would require him to be locked in for three years. Fischer echoed that belief, saying he thinks Kuminga favors Los Angeles and that the situation should reach a conclusion soon.
The timing is notable for a Lakers team that has already lived through a wild summer. Since the start of NBA free agency in July, Los Angeles has seen LeBron James leave, made multiple trades, signed several players, and watched the franchise enter the process of being sold for the second time in 14 months.
Minnesota has also been busy. The Timberwolves made major summer moves of their own, parting ways with Julius Randle and Naz Reid while going all in with Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. Los Angeles, meanwhile, overhauled its roster to kick off the post-LeBron James era, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the center of what comes next.
Both teams now enter next season with young rosters and real star power, which is part of what makes Kuminga’s choice so intriguing. He has a chance to reset his career and take on a meaningful role either in Los Angeles or in Minnesota.
For now, the wait is on. With the decision down to two teams and the Lakers seemingly holding the edge, Kuminga’s next move could be coming sooner than expected.
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The front office has already started to address it by bringing in young size, adding rookie centers Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar to the mix. It is the kind of practical, sometimes unglamorous roster planning that can matter most in April, because the Hawks know better than most that one injury can change the shape of a postseason run. [Read more 🡒]