The Lakers are still working through their roster for next season, and the biggest hole remains at starting power forward. That search has kept Jonathan Kuminga front and center all summer, and Los Angeles now seems to be pushing harder than ever to land him.
Kuminga, the former Golden State Warriors NBA champion, has been one of the Lakers’ top targets throughout the offseason. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the momentum is trending toward Los Angeles.
“Significant momentum is now building towards Jonathan Kuminga soon finalizing a contract with the Lakers. With the Cavaliers choosing Peyton Watson instead, Kuminga's options are now limited to Los Angeles or the Timberwolves. Kuminga's preferred landing spot is the Lakers," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Lakers have already put a real offer on the table. Sidery reported that Los Angeles is willing to work a sign-and-trade package that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and draft capital to the Hawks, with the deal carrying a salary around $45 million.
“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 posted.
At this point, the shape of any deal may come down to what Atlanta wants back. The Lakers are still among the final teams in the mix, and one possible path could include Jaden Hardy.
Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned on Friday’s episode of The Hoop Collective podcast that there is still “still a window” for Los Angeles to complete a sign-and-trade involving Kuminga and Lakers guard Jaden Hardy.
Hardy would not be a painful piece for the Lakers to move, considering he has not played a game for the team. The Hawks’ roster situation could also affect how the sides work out the details, since Atlanta is a couple of players over the roster limit.
Kuminga played last season on a $46 million contract, and the Lakers appear ready to keep pressing until they either get a deal done or run out of runway. For now, Hardy stands as one of the names that could help push the move across the finish line.
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