After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the 23-year-old forward, Jonathan Kuminga is deciding between the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. More importantly for Los Angeles, Kuminga reportedly prefers the Lakers, and a conclusion could be coming soon.
Kuminga’s Preferred Destination
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report believes Kuminga prefers LA and will make a decision soon.
“Kuminga, I think, has seemed to prefer going to the Lakers. They have the most opportunity to negotiate there… That’s going to come to some type of conclusion here soon,”
Fischer added that while he initially believed a decision could have arrived last week, there has been no indication that another team has entered the picture.
That leaves the Lakers and Timberwolves competing for Kuminga, with Los Angeles seemingly holding an important advantage if his preferred destination ultimately plays a major role in his decision.
Lakers Still Need Atlanta’s Cooperation
Kuminga’s preference for Los Angeles does not necessarily mean a deal will be easy to complete.
Minnesota has the simpler path to acquiring him because the Timberwolves can use part of their mid-level exception. The Lakers, meanwhile, would need the Atlanta Hawks’ cooperation to complete a sign-and-trade, which would also require Kuminga to sign a contract lasting at least three seasons.
Los Angeles and Atlanta have reportedly resumed discussions over potential trade constructions. Jaden Hardy has recently been mentioned in talks, after Jarred Vanderbilt surfaced as a potential piece in earlier frameworks.
Sign-and-Trade Complications
That creates another layer of negotiations before the Lakers can actually bring Kuminga to Los Angeles.
Even if Kuminga has made the Lakers his preferred destination, Los Angeles still has to find a deal that works for Atlanta and a contract acceptable to Kuminga. Minnesota does not face the same obstacle. This gives Timberwolves a potentially easier route if Kuminga decides he is comfortable playing for either team.
However, the Lakers appear to have something Minnesota cannot control: Kuminga’s preference.
Kuminga Could Start in Los Angeles
The Lakers’ biggest selling point may be the opportunity they can offer Kuminga.
Los Angeles has undergone a dramatic roster overhaul this summer following LeBron James’ departure and is now building its next era around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Kuminga is viewed as a potential starting power forward who could immediately become a major part of that core.
At 23 years old, Kuminga also fits the direction the Lakers have taken with their roster. Rather than simply adding another veteran around Doncic, acquiring Kuminga would give Los Angeles another young player with significant upside who could potentially grow alongside its franchise cornerstone.
Lakers Could Be Nearing Resolution
Minnesota can offer its own appealing situation around Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, meaning Kuminga has two opportunities to join young teams with legitimate star talent.
The difference may ultimately come down to where Kuminga believes he can establish the largest role. If Fischer’s assessment of his preference is accurate, Los Angeles appears to have the advantage.
The remaining obstacle is turning that preference into a workable sign-and-trade with Atlanta. After more than a month of speculation, the Lakers may finally be getting close to finding out whether they can get it done.
