Lakers Target Jonathan Kuminga Amid Competition From Hawks, Cavs

WHO:

NY Post - The Los Angeles Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, general manager Rob Pelinka, four-time NBA champion LeBron James.

RealGM Basketball - Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh, Kuminga's agent Aaron Turner, coach JJ Redick, Kenny Atkinson.

WHAT:

NY Post - The Lakers' recent roster additions include center Walker Kessler's four-year, $130 million deal.

RealGM Basketball - The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in Jonathan Kuminga due to his familiarity with coach Kenny Atkinson from their time together at the Golden State Warriors.

RealGM Basketball - The Sacramento Kings have also expressed interest in Kuminga but face salary cap restrictions that would necessitate a sign-and-trade to facilitate a deal.

Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a two-year, $20 million deal.

Silver Screen and Roll - Last season, Kuminga earned over $23 million, indicating a considerable decrease in the proposed offer.

Silver Screen and Roll - Kuminga averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, shooting 33.3% from 3-point range.

Silver Screen and Roll - Kuminga's career-high scoring average was 16.1 points per game during the 2023-24 season with Golden State.

NY Post - The Lakers are looking to add to their roster amid free agency.

NY Post - The Lakers made roster additions after half of their starting lineup departed.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers are in active pursuit of unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

RealGM Basketball - The Atlanta Hawks declined Kuminga's $24.3 million team option.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers have not yet presented a strong enough offer to secure Kuminga's commitment.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers committed most of their available cap space to Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.

RealGM Basketball - A sign-and-trade involving the Hawks remains possible.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers could package contracts belonging to Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, or Jaden Hardy to increase their offer.

WHERE:

RealGM Basketball - The discussions and meetings are taking place in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

WHEN:

RealGM Basketball - The Atlanta Hawks declined Kuminga's team option on June 29.

RealGM Basketball - Kuminga met virtually with the Lakers' management the day after the Hawks declined his option.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers are pursuing Kuminga to fill a significant role alongside Luka Doncic.

RealGM Basketball - The Hawks are open to facilitating a deal that preserves Kuminga's Bird Rights.

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Pelinka has been in contact with Kuminga's agent, gradually sweetening the offer.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers' financial constraints limit their offer for Kuminga.

The Lakers have made headlines with the signing of center Walker Kessler to a four-year deal worth $130 million. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are eyeing Jonathan Kuminga, appreciating his connection with coach Kenny Atkinson from their days at the Golden State Warriors. The Sacramento Kings are also interested in Kuminga, but they would need to navigate salary cap restrictions through a sign-and-trade to make a deal happen.