The Lakers should continue to pursue Jonathan Kuminga.
The Los Angeles Lakers might not be done making moves this offseason as they continue to round out their roster, which has already undergone a number of significant changes.
LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Jaxson Hayes are all gone.
Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Jaden Hardy, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and rookie Cameron Carr are all new faces.
Though the team is already over the roster limit, that hasn't stopped them from continuing to pursue other roster moves, including making an offer to Jonathan Kuminga and still having interest in the unrestricted free agent who last played for the Atlanta Hawks.
The Latest On Kuminga
According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Point, the Lakers offered Kuminga a deal worth $10 million annually early in the offseason, but Kuminga and his team have decided to wait and see if a better offer comes along or if a sign-and-trade can be worked out with the Hawks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks all have interest in the former seventh overall pick. The Hawks also have interest in bringing him back.
The Lakers no longer have their mid-level exception, using that money on backup guard Collin Sexton. They could work out a sign-and-trade with the Hawks that includes Jarred Vanderbilt, who is set to make $12.4 million this season.
If the Hawks are willing to accept Vanderbilt and draft compensation, Kuminga would get closer to the money he is seeking.
A Good Fit?
Kuminga could slot into the starting lineup for the Lakers should that be his destination.
Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are the three locked-in starters, but the other two spots are up for grabs. Mamukelashvili and Grimes would seem to have the inside track, but Jake LaRavia could earn a spot due to familiarity, or Williams or Thybulle might prove to be a better fit with Grimes coming off the bench.
If Kuminga ends up on the Lakers, chances are he'll get one of the two spots given his defensive playmaking and ability to attack off the catch. He shot 33% from three last season and shoots 33% from three for his career, so his poor outside shooting could hurt him, but Grimes is coming off a down year from three, and the Lakers might see more upside in Kuminga's overall ability rather than hoping Grimes' shot will return.
