The Los Angeles Lakers’ depth at the wing and forward spots was seen as a weakness earlier this month. But in recent days, they have added Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, and waiting in the wings are rookie Cameron Carr and second-year man Adou Thiero, who both showed promise during summer league play.
The team still has a definite hole in terms of needing a starting two-way forward who has ample athleticism. It has been interested in forward Jonathan Kuminga for some time now this summer, and it appeared at one point that things were at least somewhat pointing in the direction of him eventually becoming a Laker.
But according to Dan Woike of The Athletic, that momentum has stalled for more than one reason.
“The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios,” Woike wrote. “Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.”
There have been reports that Kuminga’s camp is looking for a contract in the $25 million average annual value (AAV) range, although it is difficult to see him getting such a contract. The Atlanta Hawks, the team he finished this past season with, seem to be willing to execute a sign-and-trade deal to get rid of him, but they may not be willing to take back what the Lakers are able and willing to offer.
Kuminga has career averages of 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.1 minutes a game over five seasons. He is very athletic and can finish strong in transition, but he’s a subpar 3-point shooter, and while he has the ability to defend at a high level, his defense seems to come and go.
His attitude, desire, committment and focus have been questioned, which is likely why he is still available now. He hasn’t tapped into much of the potential he had when he was the No. 7 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, and he hasn’t shown much development or improvement since he was a rookie.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Woike: Momentum on Lakers getting Jonathan Kuminga has stalled
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
