Lakers reportedly trying to stop Hawks from sending $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion elsewhere

Lakers reportedly trying to stop Hawks from sending $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion elsewhere originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers got the bulk of their offseason work done during the opening days of free agency. They were able to add players such as Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, and Colin Sexton to the organization.

Now, Los Angeles is attempting to land former Golden State Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga. The two sides reportedly have mutual interest.

“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

While that has been the case, the Lakers have also signed wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. Even so, there is a growing belief that negotiations between the two sides have hit a rough patch and may even be at a stalemate.

“The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike wrote.

Despite that, the Lakers are not backing off their pursuit of Kuminga. Los Angeles continues to stay in contact with the former Warriors forward in hopes of convincing him to join the purple and gold.

“I can tell you that they keep calling Jonathan Kuminga. Obviously they have not made a lucrative enough offer for Kuminga to jump. But part of their pitch has been, ‘Hey, you can come start here potentially’… All I can tell you is Rob Pelinka keeps calling about Jonathan Kuminga,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater said.

The Lakers know they will need significant production on the wing if they hope to help fill the void left by LeBron James’ departure. For that reason, the organization remains determined to bring Kuminga to Los Angeles.

If the Lakers are unable to land Kuminga, it would be a disappointing outcome given their continued pursuit. The biggest obstacle appears to be Kuminga’s asking price, as Los Angeles has so far been unwilling to meet his contract demands. Even so, the Lakers do not appear ready to end their pursuit, leaving the door open for the two sides to eventually reach an agreement.

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