The Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga and have discussed a contract in the range of two years and $20 million, according to people familiar with the team’s plans.
Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers view the 6-foot-8 wing as the type of athletic defender they need to start at small forward. Kuminga, 23, became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his team option.
Cap space concerns
Los Angeles does not have sufficient salary-cap room to sign Kuminga outright at the proposed figure. To create space, the front office is weighing salary-clearing trades or a sign-and-trade arrangement with Atlanta.
Sign-and-trade framework
Aron Cohen of Lakers All Day Everyday reported that the franchise has explored a package that would send Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and a second-round pick to the Hawks in exchange for Kuminga. Vanderbilt is owed more than $24 million over the next two seasons, which could necessitate additional draft compensation to facilitate a deal.
Draft assets in play
The Lakers currently hold three second-round selections and a future first-round pick swap, assets that could be used either in a sign-and-trade or in separate moves to shed salary.
Competition for Kuminga
The Cleveland Cavaliers have also expressed interest in Kuminga, league sources said. Despite the prominent role Los Angeles can offer, the Lakers’ proposal has not yet met the forward’s expectations.
Los Angeles is expected to keep Kuminga as its primary target while evaluating pathways to finalize an agreement.
Source: LakersNation.com
