Home / Sports / Lakers' Kuminga Pursuit Hits Major Financial Hurdle
Lakers' Kuminga Pursuit Hits Major Financial Hurdle
9 Jul
Summary
- Lakers face a $20 million pay cut demand for Jonathan Kuminga.
- Walker Kessler sign-and-trade signals a roster overhaul.
- Rui Hachimura's departure creates wing depth needs for the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a substantial challenge in their bid to sign free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Sources indicate that Kuminga would need to accept a pay cut of approximately $20 million to join the Lakers, who are offering him a chance for a change of scenery and a significant role.
This pursuit is part of a larger offseason strategy for the Lakers, who have already seen significant roster changes, including LeBron James' future plans and a major sign-and-trade involving Walker Kessler. The team is looking to fill the void left by Rui Hachimura, who signed with the Clippers, and seeks wing depth.
Kuminga, 23, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and later traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points per game. The Lakers hope he can recapture his earlier form, where he averaged 16.1 points per game in his third NBA season, potentially becoming a long-term piece alongside Luka Doncic.
