Lakers Eye Jonathan Kuminga as Free Agency Heats up
WHO:
The Source - Jonathan Kuminga, a 23-year-old forward, is the subject of interest in free agency.
NY Post - The Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing Jonathan Kuminga.
WHAT:
RealGM Basketball - The Atlanta Hawks declined their $24.3 million team option on Jonathan Kuminga for the 20226-27 season.
RealGM Basketball - A resolution regarding Kuminga's future is expected to be via a sign-and-trade rather than him signing outright into another team's salary cap space.
RealGM Basketball - The Lakers are interested in including their final tradeable first round pick in 2032 along with Jarred Vanderbilt in a sign-and-trade for Kuminga.
RealGM Basketball - The Lakers could improve upon their two-year, $20 million initial offer to Kuminga if they find a workable path for the sign-and-trade.
RealGM Basketball - Kuminga was on a $22.5 million contract last season after a prolonged restricted free agency process with the Golden State Warriors.
The Source - Jonathan Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent.
NY Post - The Lakers are advised to be all-in on Jonathan Kuminga, but only at the right price.
WHERE:
The Source - The Lakers and Kings are among the teams interested in Kuminga.
WHEN:
The Source - The article discusses the current state of Kuminga's free agency during the summer.
WHY:
NY Post - The Lakers' interest in Kuminga suggests they are looking to strengthen their roster.
HOW:
The Source - The article indicates that discussions and interest are heating up as free agency progresses.
The Atlanta Hawks have declined their $24.3 million team option on Jonathan Kuminga for the 2026-27 season, leading to expectations that his future will be resolved through a sign-and-trade rather than him signing directly with another team. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in including their final tradeable first-round pick in 2032 along with Jarred Vanderbilt in a potential sign-and-trade for Kuminga. Additionally, the Lakers could enhance their initial two-year, $20 million offer to him if they can find a feasible path for the sign-and-trade arrangement.