Jonathan Kuminga suitor drops out, leaves Lakers among final 3 options

The Los Angeles Lakers’ interest in Jonathan Kuminga has been widely known for months, but there’s been little movement in a potential deal.

The Lakers initially pitched the idea of Kuminga starting alongside Luka Dončić, earning roughly $10 million annually.

For weeks, the idea of the Lakers landing Kuminga has hit a standstill because of the forward’s desire to earn more money in LA. The Lakers, who made several additions in free agency, can’t afford to bring Kuminga in on a $20 million deal, which is what the 23-year-old had wanted.

But Kuminga returning to the Atlanta Hawks on a minimum deal seems far-fetched after the team added Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort via trade. That opens the door for a potential sign-and-trade with the Lakers, but Kuminga reportedly is only willing to take a pay cut on a one-year deal.

A sign-and-trade deal is comprised of three seasons. Nevertheless, the domino will have to fall one way or another.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, only the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lakers seem like legitimate options for Kuminga at this point in the offseason.

Though, the Los Angeles Clippers had initially also expressed interest in the free agent.

The ongoing drama surrounding the Lakers this summer — from LeBron James leaving to Mark Walter selling the team after owning the franchise for 10 months — has largely overshadowed the Lakers’ moves in free agency.

The Lakers are missing a versatile wing defender, especially after the departure of Rui Hachimura in free agency. As September quickly approaches, the team’s options are limited to bolster the roster.

But Kuminga remains on the market, which means general manager Rob Pelinka still has a chance to get creative and ink a deal.

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