The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing forward Jonathan Kuminga as a potential addition to their roster. However, Iman Shumpert’s recent remarks suggest a different scenario might be unfolding.
In a recent discussion on the Champ Street Podcast, NBA insider Shams Charania engaged with former players about free agency developments.
The talk shifted towards the Lakers, during which Shumpert mistakenly claimed that Kuminga had already signed with the team.
“I think Kuminga went to LA,” Shumpert noted.
Charania quickly countered, noting, “It’s not over yet.”
The Lakers kicked off free agency with over $52 million in cap space but lost some flexibility after signing players like Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, and Quentin Grimes.
Now, general manager Rob Pelinka is trying to figure out how to incorporate Kuminga, though it won’t be easy. The 23-year-old is reportedly looking for a more substantial deal than what the Lakers have on the table.
The Lakers have offered Kuminga around $10 million annually. They’ve positioned him for a prominent role as a starting wing alongside Luka Doncic. However, Kuminga’s existing contract is below that of Mamukelashvili and Grimes, who are slated to earn approximately $13 million a year.
This situation means that one of these players may end up on the bench.
Consequently, Kuminga seems to want to secure better financial terms before making a move to the Lakers.
Options to acquire Kuminga are limited, but the Atlanta Hawks are reportedly open to a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Lakers. Kobi Price from the California Post mentioned that the Hawks might consider sending Kuminga to Los Angeles in exchange for Jared Vanderbilt and a first-round pick in 2032.
After initially making waves in the opening days of free agency, the Lakers have been relatively quiet since then. Pelinka faces a significant challenge in creatively securing Kuminga, highlighting that the current roster still feels incomplete.
