Lakers Still Targeting Jonathan Kuminga; Cavaliers, Wizards and Knicks Shuffle Frontcourt Plans
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Los Angeles — The Lakers continue to prioritize Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga as they search for another wing and an additional center in free agency, league sources told The Stein Line.
Lakers
According to reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Kuminga tops Los Angeles’ wish list, but his market is moving slowly while teams await LeBron James’ decision on his playing future. The Cavaliers are also pursuing the 21-year-old forward yet prefer to hold off on any commitment until James announces where he will play next season.
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson’s prior experience with Kuminga at Golden State is believed to influence the Cavaliers’ interest. Atlanta, which declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option earlier this week, has not ruled out bringing him back and is open to sign-and-trade discussions. Milwaukee is monitoring the situation as well.
With growing expectations that forward Rui Hachimura will depart, the Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga could intensify if they can create the necessary cap room. Los Angeles is also evaluating options at center after sending Deandre Ayton to Washington. Kevon Looney remains on the radar, and Denver’s Jonas Valanciunas could enter the mix if his contract is not fully guaranteed by July 8.
Wizards
Despite outside speculation, Washington does not plan to move Anthony Davis after acquiring Ayton, per Stein and Fischer. The Wizards envision deploying Ayton and Davis together in larger lineups and also pairing Ayton with emerging 7-footer Alex Sarr, giving the club multiple frontcourt combinations for next season.
Knicks
Before securing veteran center Andre Drummond on a one-year minimum deal, New York explored several alternatives. The Knicks expressed interest in Looney and tracked Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate, whose $2.5 million expiring contract would have helped the team remain under the NBA’s second tax apron. Drummond ultimately filled the vacancy created when Mitchell Robinson signed with Boston earlier in free agency.
Source: Hoops Wire
