The Lakers are still reshaping themselves around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as the latest name tied to that overhaul.
Los Angeles has already been one of the league’s most active teams this offseason, with LeBron James telling the organization he would be leaving and the club making a major move by landing center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. Now, the focus has shifted to the wing, where the Lakers are looking for more athleticism and versatility.
“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 wrote.
Kuminga’s path to free agency opened after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option. ESPN reported that he will turn 24 before next season and played 16 regular-season games for Atlanta after arriving in a February trade, putting up 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. ESPN also noted that the trade came after a summerlong contract feud with the Golden State Warriors, following years of frustration over his role there.
The interest from the Lakers has not yet turned into a deal, but the fit is obvious enough. Kuminga would give Los Angeles the kind of athletic, versatile wing it has been trying to find.
“Jonathan Kuminga is a player the Lakers are after, according to people with knowledge of the situation who said L.A. is looking at a two-year, $20-million deal for Kuminga, the sort of athletic wing player the Lakers need to start at small forward,” LA Times' Brad Turner wrote.
That number may not be enough to get it done. Kuminga could be aiming higher after making $23 million last season, and that could become the key issue as talks move forward.
For now, the Lakers’ interest is clear, and so is the need. After several offseason departures, adding a young wing who can attack the basket would fit the direction Los Angeles has taken with Doncic and Reaves at the center of the roster.
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