Lakers get brutal sign-and-trade update for ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a strong offseason, continuing to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while adding young talent they believe fits their long-term vision. However, one of their top priorities remains landing Jonathan Kuminga, who has been at the top of their wish list for much of the offseason.

For weeks, the Lakers and Kuminga appeared to be a natural fit. However, negotiations have become increasingly complicated as the young forward continues to seek a lucrative contract.

“Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain the Lakers' biggest competition in the race for Kuminga. Cleveland recently added another wing by signing former first-round pick Mario Hezonja.

“EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, agent Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management told ESPN. Hezonja -- the No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft -- receives an opportunity to revitalize his NBA career entering his sixth season in the league after last playing in 2019-20. He is set to play a key wing role for the Eastern Conference finalists," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.

Following Cleveland's signing, many believed the Lakers had become the favorites to land Kuminga. However, The Stein Line's Jake Fischer reported that Los Angeles and the Atlanta Hawks have never engaged in meaningful sign-and-trade discussions.

“Sources say that the Lakers would still like to sign Kuminga and make him their starting small forward … provided that the 23-year-old is ultimately willing to accept a contract structure on the Lakers' terms. I have been repeatedly told by league sources familiar with the teams' dynamic that the Lakers and Hawks never held meaningful discussions on a sign-and-trade proposal,” Fischer wrote.

That report presents an interesting twist in the Kuminga sweepstakes. While the Lakers appeared to gain momentum after Cleveland's latest move, the lack of meaningful discussions with Atlanta suggests a deal may be much more difficult than initially expected.

Kuminga remains one of the Lakers' top offseason targets, but if they cannot find common ground with the Hawks on a sign-and-trade framework, acquiring him will be an uphill battle. With the Cavaliers still actively pursuing Kuminga, Los Angeles could be in danger of missing out on one of its top priorities.

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