The Los Angeles Lakers are still on the hunt to beef up their roster, even with a bunch of new faces already in the mix this summer. Their starting lineup is basically a whole new squad, with only Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sticking around from last season. But the real story right now? They’ve been chasing Jonathan Kuminga for months, and it sounds like the feeling is mutual. NBA reporter Evan Sidery spilled the beans, saying, “There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition.” Talk about putting in the work!
The Kuminga Chase Is Down to the Wire
This pursuit has dragged on for pretty much the whole summer, and Kuminga’s options are narrowing fast. Right now, it’s a two-horse race with the Minnesota Timberwolves going head-to-head with the Lakers to land him in free agency. Sidery laid out the stakes, stating, “The Lakers and Timberwolves are the finalists for Jonathan Kuminga. Both teams have offered Kuminga a starting role, but Los Angeles would be acquiring him via sign-and-trade at a larger salary. Minnesota can only offer Kuminga the vet minimum, but it’s a strong on-court fit.” Clearly, the Lakers are ready to pay up for their guy if it means getting him in a sign-and-trade. That’s a serious commitment to getting their primary target locked down.
Moving Knecht to Make Room For Their Guy
Here’s where things get interesting: the Lakers have also started talking trade with the Atlanta Hawks about a potential Kuminga sign-and-trade. And get this, it looks like they’re trying to shove former first-round pick Dalton Knecht into the deal! Sidery reported, “Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade discussions between the Hawks and Lakers are picking up steam. With Atlanta still not interested in taking on Jarred Vanderbilt, LA is looking for facilitators to acquire Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht. The Lakers would send Atlanta draft capital.” It’s a bold move, trying to offload Knecht all summer, especially after his trade to the Charlotte Hornets fell through earlier this offseason. Knecht was once seen as a big part of the Lakers’ future after he had a solid stretch during his rookie season, but it’s obvious his standing within the organization has totally shifted. Moving him is clearly aimed at clearing the path to land Kuminga, who has been their top target for two whole months.
What’s next for the Lakers? They’re playing high-stakes poker to land Jonathan Kuminga, and the clock is ticking. Will they manage to shed Knecht and secure their man, even if it means coughing up draft capital? This saga is far from over, and it’s going to be wild to see how it plays out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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