The Los Angeles Lakers continue to face significant hurdles in their pursuit of free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, with recent reports indicating their efforts have stalled amid growing competition from other NBA teams.
The Lakers initially reached out to the 23-year-old late last month, shortly after LeBron James left the franchise following eight seasons in Los Angeles. James signed a two-year contract worth approximately $4 million with the Philadelphia 76ers last week.
According to reporting from Khobi Price of the California Post, the Lakers and Kuminga have not communicated in recent days. Kuminga, who became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, has also drawn interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers once their own pursuit of James fell short.
Competition for the former Golden State Warriors swingman now extends beyond Cleveland. Cavaliers insider Chris Fedor reported that the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks have joined the race for Kuminga’s services.
Fedor detailed the financial parameters involved, writing: “Sources say the 23-year-old Kuminga wants an annual deal in the $15-20 million range, which would necessitate a sign-and-trade with Atlanta involving either swingman Max Strus or Dennis Schroder. The Hawks, already with 17 players on the roster and incredibly close to the luxury tax, would have to cooperate — and actually want what Cleveland, the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers or Milwaukee Bucks are willing to offer in a sign-and-trade.”
Kuminga’s desire to remain near the $24.3 million figure he would have earned under the declined Hawks option has complicated negotiations for all interested parties. That high asking price stands as the primary reason discussions have slowed.
NBA insider Keith Smith explained the restricted free agent’s strategic approach to any potential agreement.
“If he is gonna is take less than ($20 million), he wants to do it on a one-year deal,” Smith said. “… The problem is for him to go anywhere he’s rumored to wanna go, he has to be connected to (that team) through a sign-and-trade, and then that means that’s a minimum of a three-year deal.”
Smith further outlined the dilemma facing Kuminga.
“For him, that’s where he’s stuck. If he’s not gonna get the money he wants, he’s gonna get stuck where he is in a position of how do I get there? … He is stuck right now. It sounds like he is really stuck on choosing between where he wants to be on a longer term deal on less money, or choosing I really want to play it out on a one-year deal.”
Among the teams chasing the athletic wing, the Lakers appear to hold the greatest urgency. The franchise has seen several key contributors depart this offseason, creating thin depth on the perimeter.
Los Angeles is working to replace the production previously provided by James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Potential additions such as Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle could help, yet none fully address the need for a high-level starting wing.
Reports indicate the Lakers have offered Kuminga a starting opportunity, but the young forward remains focused primarily on securing what he views as fair market value while preserving future free-agency options.
The stalemate leaves the situation unresolved as the offseason progresses. Any resolution would require the Hawks to approve a sign-and-trade package that satisfies both Kuminga’s salary expectations and Atlanta’s roster and tax constraints.
With multiple contenders now involved and Kuminga holding firm on his priorities, the pursuit is expected to stretch further into the summer.
