Lakers warned against ill-advised Jonathan Kuminga decision after Cavaliers aggressive move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to make one final move before minicamp begins next month. However, they have yet to find a way to make it happen, as their 16-player roster and lack of attractive trade pieces have made it difficult to create the necessary flexibility.
The Lakers have been in full pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga throughout the summer. Los Angeles has even made the former NBA champion and his camp a contract offer.
“The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a contract via sign-and-trade that would pay him around $45 million. Los Angeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for Kuminga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
A major complication for Los Angeles is that the Cleveland Cavaliers have started creating financial flexibility while also pursuing Kuminga. Lake Show Life’s Jordanna Clark believes the race could ultimately come down to which team is willing to offer Kuminga the better contract.
“He could do the same in Cleveland, though, as the Cavaliers hope their championship dreams will come true in 2027. It could come down to which team offers Kuminga the best contract, rather than the better opportunity. After all, he's waited this long to make a decision, and it could pay off (literally), as the Cavaliers created greater financial flexibility for themselves. They still need to re-sign James Harden, but they can do that and land Kuminga,” Clark wrote.
However, Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden has warned Los Angeles against overpaying for Kuminga, arguing that the potential risk could outweigh the reward.
“For as polarizing as it would thus be to enter the 2026-27 season with the team in place, that's a risk the Lakers are going to have to take if the alternative is overpaying for Kuminga. If Kuminga is unwilling to accept a contract with non or partial guarantees, or even player or team options, then the Lakers will be locked in for three years with a player whose reputation is built more on what he could be than what he presently is,” Ogden wrote.
The ending to the Kuminga saga should be fascinating, especially considering that just a few weeks ago, there appeared to be no clear resolution in sight. With Cleveland now making moves to create additional financial flexibility, however, the race could be closer than originally expected.
The Lakers have made some questionable contract decisions over the last several years, and they cannot afford to let Kuminga become another one. Whatever Los Angeles ultimately decides, the organization must make sure it gets the NBA champion at a fair price rather than overcommitting to his potential.
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