The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the clear frontrunners to land free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, with the Cleveland Cavaliers effectively stepping aside after a major trade this week.

On Wednesday, the Cavaliers acquired restricted free agent Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Los Angeles Clippers. That move filled a roster need and pulled Cleveland out of the running for Kuminga, according to multiple reports.

California Post reporter Valentina Martinez described the situation bluntly.

“Jonathan Kuminga landing with the Los Angeles Lakers seems inevitable at this point,” Martinez wrote. “On Tuesday, it appeared Kuminga had three suitors remaining in his free-agent sweepstakes: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers. And on Wednesday, the Cavaliers seemingly took themselves out of contention by instead acquiring Peyton Watson in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.”

The Lakers’ pursuit of the 23-year-old began in earnest at the end of June. That was shortly after LeBron James told the organization he would not return for a ninth season with the franchise.

Martinez has pointed out that Los Angeles has looked like the strongest match for Kuminga throughout the summer.

“The Lakers have always been the most logical fit for Kuminga, but the two parties haven’t been able to reach an agreement all summer long,” Martinez wrote. “The Lakers initially offered the forward a deal for around $10 million annually under the framing that he’d be starting alongside Luka Doncic in Hollywood. But Kuminga and his camp wanted double that amount, which has since created an ongoing stalemate between the 23-year-old and the Lakers.”

Despite the gap in numbers, the Lakers have stayed engaged. They still need another starting-level wing player and have made Kuminga a priority.

NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints detailed the team’s consistent approach.

“Since the very start of free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers have made it known to Kuminga and his representation that they value his skills and want him as a key secondary player alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves,” Siegel reported.

“While they did present a small contract offer to Kuminga in early July, he held out to see what other teams were interested and whether his price would grow from the $10 million annually LA was offering.”

The field has narrowed further in recent days. Insider Jake Fischer indicated that only two teams remain seriously involved. When asked whether a Lakers signing was nearly certain, Fischer responded that the choice had come down to a pair of clubs.

In a subscriber exchange, Fischer wrote, “Not a lock… but I think it’s a lock between the Lakers or Wolves.”

Martinez noted that the Lakers hold an advantage over Minnesota because they can offer a bigger contract. Both franchises present appealing situations for the athletic forward, yet Los Angeles has chased him more aggressively for two months.

That steady interest may prove decisive. Kuminga spent last season with the Atlanta Hawks and is seeking a larger role and bigger payday as he enters unrestricted free agency.

Lakers executives have framed the potential addition as a natural complement to Doncic and Reaves. The front office has kept lines of communication open even while the salary discussions dragged on.

Timberwolves officials also see Kuminga as a strong fit for their system, creating a genuine two-team race at this stage. Still, the combination of financial flexibility and roster need appears to give Los Angeles the upper hand.

Observers around the league continue to watch the negotiations closely. With Cleveland no longer a factor, attention has shifted almost entirely to whether the Lakers can close the deal or if Minnesota finds a way to pull ahead.

Kuminga’s camp has remained patient, waiting for the best overall package. The next few days could determine where the versatile forward lands for the coming season.

For now, the consensus among those following the talks is that the Lakers remain positioned as the most likely destination.