Jovan Buha reveals a major problem with obtaining Jonathan Kuminga in a potential trade of LeBron James to the Warriors

Jovan Buha is not convinced with Jonathan Kuminga’s inclusion in trade package for James

Kuminga has been in talks with the Warriors throughout the summer to resolve his restricted free agency conundrum, which seems likely to drag into the 2025-26 campaign.

The franchise offered him a two-year $45 million deal, but he refused it because of the Warriors’ refusal to add a player option in the final year.

He is believed to want to move out of the team, but the Warriors have not found a good deal for him.

But if a player like James is available, there is no doubt that they will involve Kuminga in a trade package.

However, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha does not believe that is the right step for the team.

He said: “I like Jonathan Kuminga, but maybe I’ve been a little surprised with some of the reports and of course in these types of situations both sides are gonna mudsling a little bit and get their agenda, get their perspective out, but some of the stuff about him viewing himself as like a number one option.”

Reports suggest that Kuminga views himself as a starting level talent, but there is no guarantee if he would be able to play that role on the Lakers.

“There’s some stuff about Kuminga viewing himself as a certain level and there’s a difference between like a fine line between confidence and delusion and some of the stuff that’s come out of Kuminga’s camp and what he wants has trended more on the delusion side,” Buha added.

Kuminga is a high-maintenance player

The Lakers already have a roster with multiple ball dominant players. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to be the two players who will lead the franchise if James departs.

Both of them need the ball, and if Kuminga happens to move to the Lakers, it is unlikely he will be able to carry the offense.

Buha believes bringing in a player, who has already shown he can act out would be putting the franchise at risk.

“In theory replacing LeBron with like a Kuminga and of course longer term and with the additional salary flexibility and what that could mean, that is interesting,” Buha added.

“But then you factor in whatever contract he’s going to want or potentially get then you factor in he’s going to want to start and have a certain role, have a certain amount of touches and I just don’t think that makes a lot of sense.”

There is no doubt Kuminga is a talented player, but the Lakers would need more than that if they are trading a player like James, who even at the age of 40 averaged 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

If the Warriors are serious about James and want to win a championship, they will likely return with offers when he becomes a free agent.

Although James will be a year older by then, his talent and the likes of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green can help the Warriors become a force again.