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Lakers facing another competitor for Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Lakers facing another competitor for Jonathan Kuminga

Following LeBron James' departure, the Los Angeles Lakers were one of the most active teams in the market.

The free agency frenzy has cooled off a bit, but the Lakers are still trying to add more firepower to their roster.

They're reportedly keeping tabs on Jonathan Kuminga, though the Atlanta Hawks might not be thrilled with what they could offer in a potential sign-and-trade scenario.

Now, according to Anthony Slater, another suitor might enter the mix, as the Sacramento Kings are also interested in the former lottery pick.

The Kings also want to sign Jonathan Kuminga

“The Kings have also maintained interest in unrestricted free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, but unlike last summer, they have been hesitant to get into sign-and-trade conversations,” Slater wrote. “Without such a move with the Atlanta Hawks, they would have only a minimum to offer, so those talks have gone nowhere.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers are also reportedly trying to land Kuminga, who's seeking close to $20 million per season on his new deal.

Kuminga failed to establish himself with the Golden State Warriors, failing to make the most of his limited opportunities and criticizing the way the organization handled his career and playing time.

Then, things weren't much better in his half-season with the Atlanta Hawks, who are now willing to let him walk.

That said, as underwhelming and underachieving as he's been, he's still young and has the athletic and physical tools to be an elite two-way player in the right system, which is why these teams might be willing to engage in a bit of a bidding war to get him. 

Ernesto Cova

Ernesto is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Ernesto’s work focuses on providing insightful, up-to-date coverage of sports, blending his expertise in sports psychology with a passion for analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and trade developments across various sports leagues

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