The Los Angeles Lakers have done a solid job of checking off items on their offseason needs list. They have acquired their true starting-level defensive-minded center in Walker Kessler, a two-way wing in Quentin Grimes, a scoring, facilitating and pace-creating guard in Collin Sexton and a productive big man in Sandro Mamukelashvili.
On Tuesday, they filled another need by getting a contract agreement from Kevon Looney, a 30-year-old veteran center and a good rebounder who has won three NBA championships. But the Lakers still lack a starting-level two-way forward, and they’re still reportedly trying to fill that hole by getting Jonathan Kuminga.
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, the Lakers did meet with Kuminga last Tuesday when the league’s free agency period officially opened.
“The Lakers still hope to land Kuminga, who became a free agent when the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option on June 29. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with Kuminga virtually the next day and pitched him on a vision of being a high-minutes wing next to Luka Doncic in a spacious on-court environment conducive to Kuminga’s skill set, league sources told ESPN.
“The Lakers, however, then went out and used up the majority of their financial wiggle room to secure commitments from Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, leaving little leftover space for an offer to Kuminga. They have one free roster spot remaining following the Looney deal.”
But Los Angeles continues to be in pursuit of the 23-year-old Kuminga.
“That didn’t stop the Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga, as multiple members of the organization, including players, reached out and expressed their desire for him to join them. Pelinka has remained in touch with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, subtly improving their offer in recent days, league sources told ESPN, while reiterating to Kuminga his importance to what the Lakers are building around Doncic, a likely starting role and what the opportunity could do for his career.
“But Kuminga and Turner haven’t jumped at it, believing there are still avenues to better deals as the offseason dominoes continue to fall.”
Los Angeles lacks salary cap space, and it would have to move a couple of contracts in order to create cap room to get Kuminga. According to at least one report, it has been looking to move forward Jarred Vanderbilt, wing Dalton Knecht and guard Jaden Hardy to accomplish that task.
Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times revealed the type of deal the team is aiming to give Kuminga.
“Jonathan Kuminga is a player the Lakers are after, according to people with knowledge of the situation who said L.A. is looking at a two-year, $20-million deal for Kuminga, the sort of athletic wing player the Lakers need to start at small forward.”
Kuminga would come with some definite risks and question marks, as his production has been inconsistent and his attitude and effort are questionable. But he is very athletic, a bona fide transition finisher and someone who is capable of playing high-level defense against opposing wings. In five NBA seasons, he has averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.1 minutes a game while shooting 50.2% from the field and 33.2% from 3-point range.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Details on Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
