Lakers' pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga takes 180-degree turn

The Los Angeles Lakers are almost done overhauling their roster, but there's still one big fish left to reel in.

They've been keeping tabs on Jonathan Kuminga since the start of free agency, but his financial aspirations and limited cap space have been a thorn in their side.

However, with free agency drying out and his potential suitors making other moves, he may have no choice but to take whatever the Lakers can offer him.

According to Valentina Martinez of The California Post, it should be just a matter of time before Kuminga makes his way to the Lakers. 

Lakers may now be leading the pack for Jonathan Kuminga

“Jonathan Kuminga landing with the Los Angeles Lakers seems inevitable at this point,” Martinez wrote. “On Tuesday, it appeared Kuminga had three suitors remaining in his free-agent sweepstakes: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers. And on Wednesday, the Cavaliers seemingly took themselves out of contention by instead acquiring Peyton Watson in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.”

Kuminga reportedly wants north of $20 million per year, which, given his career averages and accolades, might be a bit too steep.

The Lakers can offer him a short-term contract to help him drive up his market value and then get the lucrative deal he's looking for.

Otherwise, they'd have to figure out a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, but they don't seem to be interested in anything the Lakers may have to offer.

Still, with all of his suitors pursuing other guys, the market might be telling him how much the league thinks he's actually worth at this point in his career.