Here we thought that the departure of LeBron James meant the Lakers’ offseason wouldn’t be put on hold.
With the full-court press on for Jonathan Kuminga, LA is left waiting on his decision before making any final roster moves. The problem is that Kuminga, notably, is not someone who makes quick decisions in free agency.
Last season, Kuminga and the Warriors had a lengthy stand-off, though largely a result of restricted free agency, that eventually came to an unsatisfying conclusion. This summer, Kuminga and his agent
are still searching for that money.
After having his option for $24 million turned down by the Hawks, Kuminga and his agent seem unsatisfied with the offers on the table. Clearly, the Lakers’ contract hasn’t moved him enough to sign and with multiple other teams waiting for LeBron James’ decision, it appears Kuminga’s own free agency will be put on hold.
Over the weekend, Jake Fischer and Marc Stein hosted a live show at Summer League with the former providing the latest update on Kuminga.
“His dynamic is a bit on pause, on hold, while LeBron’s future is determined. But it’s also a thing where he probably could have signed with the Lakers if he was more amenable to what Los Angeles was envisioning. I think Kuminga and his representation are kind of navigating what their market looks like and what they want at this point in time.”
The Lakers aren’t really in a position where they need to move quickly anymore. At this point, the team will have to do a sign-and-trade for Kuminga or any other player they acquire, so there isn’t necessarily a rush.
The Cavs have been heavily linked to Kuminga throughout free agency as well, so there is some rationale as to why he would wait.
The question that could start arising is whether Kuminga is worth all this. There probably should be, but considering President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka once chased after Christian Wood into early September, there almost certainly won’t be.
Kuminga might be the most convenient option because he’s a free agent, but there are other players around the league the team could trade for. Perhaps the Lakers feel no one will be in a rush to acquire them and have some time. Whatever the decision from the Lakers or Kuminga may be, though, don’t expect it to happen in the near future.
Thanks, LeBron.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
