The Los Angeles Lakers remain active in free agency but have yet to secure unrestricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, league sources told ESPN.
Atlanta declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option on June 29, making the 23-year-old available on the open market. One day later, the former Golden State Warriors first-round pick met virtually with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick. During the call, the club presented a vision in which Kuminga would log significant minutes alongside Luka Doncic in what the front office described as a spacious system tailored to his athletic, two-way game.
Los Angeles has already committed most of its cap room to other signings and can currently extend only minimum contracts. Despite that limitation, Pelinka has kept in contact with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, and has made incremental improvements to the offer, sources said. Players and staff members have also reached out directly to emphasize the role Kuminga would hold and the importance the organization places on adding a versatile wing defender.
Kuminga and Turner have not accepted the proposal, believing stronger financial packages could emerge as the offseason progresses. Until the Lakers clear additional salary, they appear unable to meet the forward’s expectations.
Kuminga averaged double-digit scoring in Atlanta after nearly five seasons with Golden State, where he occasionaly voiced frustration over playing time under head coach Steve Kerr. In Los Angeles, he would likely slot behind Doncic and Austin Reaves offensively while being tasked with primary wing-defensive duties.
The Lakers’ search for help on the perimeter comes as another veteran scorer, DeMar DeRozan, entered free agency following his release by the Sacramento Kings. League insiders do not view Los Angeles as a probable destination for the Southern California native.
Source: Lakers Nation
