Lakers reportedly in trade discussions for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion to fulfill major need originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have done a lot of flip-flopping with their roster this summer, as their starting lineup is going to look almost entirely different. Most of their bench players will be new faces as well.
However, despite all of the roster changes, the power forward position remains vacant. The Lakers are still searching for a starter.
“Then, there is the power forward position. This is the last domino among the starting lineup that really does not have full clarity just yet. There are certainly players internally, and even externally, who could fill the vacancy,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.
LA is still trying to figure out whether it can make a trade or have someone already on the roster fill the role. Right now, former NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga is believed to be choosing between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lakers.
“The Lakers and Timberwolves are the finalists for Jonathan Kuminga. Both teams have offered Kuminga a starting role, but Los Angeles would be acquiring him via sign-and-trade at a larger salary. Minnesota can only offer Kuminga the vet minimum, but it's a strong on-court fit," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
It also appears the Lakers are not going to let Kuminga slip out of their grasp. LA is involved in serious trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks for the 23-year-old.
“Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade discussions between the Hawks and Lakers are picking up steam. With Atlanta still not interested in taking on Jarred Vanderbilt, LA is looking for facilitators to acquire Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht. The Lakers would send Atlanta draft capital,” Sidery posted.
This would be a huge addition for the Lakers, but they would also have to get Kuminga to buy into the role they have planned for him. Kuminga is still waiting for his breakout season, and the players around him in LA could give him the opportunity to take that next step.
Last season, Kuminga was on a $46 million contract. It is still unknown what his contract will look like this season, as he has waited the entire summer for a deal. However, it does appear that the Lakers are finally making progress in their months-long pursuit of the former Warriors champion.
More NBA news:
- Warriors predicted to trade Steph Curry to Rockets for $172M exciting duo to end dynasty era
- Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $53M 3-and-D sharpshooter in mega 3-team deal
- Lakers expected to not waive $48M defensive menace over Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy
- Nuggets predicted to sign $63M NBA champion, eight-year veteran after landing DeMar DeRozan
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