LOS ANGELES—Unrestricted Free Agent Jonathan Kuminga and Los Angeles Lakers have yet to come to a contract agreement. The obstacles in front and holding the deal off has to do with money.
Both parties have been in talks for multiple weeks, but now the Lakers have competition. The Cleveland Cavaliers have had interest in the 23-year-old and can pay him $15 million in exception money.
“Kuminga is seeking a salary much closer to what he earned had the Hawks picked up his option” The Athletic reports. Another option would be a sign-and-trade for Kuminga in order for him to get the money he wants. The Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million option for next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had an eventful offseason with LeBron James announcing his departure and signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Players like Marcus Smart, Jaxson Hayes, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard have departed from the Lakers as well.
Despite those moves, the Lakers came back and traded for Walker Kessler, Jaden Hardy and signed Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Ziarie Williams, Kevon Looney, and Matisse Thybulle.
Kuminga signing with the Lakers would be a great part of the offseason. The money isn’t adding up on his end and other teams are getting involved as the days go on.
Kuminga met with Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Reddick back in June.
