The Los Angeles Lakers are among several teams in the mix for Jonathan Kuminga, who clearly isn't in a rush to decide his next steps. He's taking the time to evaluate his options, which could include a return to Atlanta. The allure of suiting up in purple and gold could end up being too much for him to resist (it should be), especially since he would get the playing time he's looking for.
NBA insider Michael Scotto was recently a guest on the Wilder Wolves podcast, where he discussed Kuminga's situation, mostly from a Minnesota lens (obviously), but what he said can still be applied to Los Angeles, specifically this:
"I think for Jonathan Kuminga, the main thing is getting consistent playing time and finally having an opportunity, if he can, to show and realize the potential he showed when he was with Golden State. He's yet to get that opportunity in full, and Minnesota would provide him the best opportunity for that. With the Lakers, there's also the possibility that he would be a starting forward. I think it would be more concrete with Minnesota, though."
Lakers can give Kuminga the playing time he wants
Los Angeles has a void at the starting power forward position that Kuminga would fill if he signed with the Lakers. As Scotto noted, Minnesota could also provide him with that opportunity, but unlike what he said, it'd probably actually be more concrete in LA.
Last year, when Kuminga was stuck in restricted free agency negotations with the Warriors, Anthony Slater of ESPN said that the forward wanted to "spread his wings" and "potentially be an All-Star." He knew that wasn't going to happen in Golden State, and he's still trying to find where that dream can take shape.
Assuming that's still his desire (and why wouldn't it be?), he has a higher chance of achieving that in Los Angeles than in Minnesota, potentially sliding in as the No. 3 option behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, now that LeBron James is gone. There isn't a clear-cut option on the roster to jump into that role, but Kuminga would change that.
It'd be harder for him to battle for that spot with the Timberwolves, with Anthony Edwards occupying the top spot, followed by LaMelo Ball. Jaden McDaniels, who averaged a career-high 14.8 points per game last season, is poised to slide in as the No. 3 option. He's a far more proven player than Kuminga, and someone whom Minnesota has valued since acquiring him in the 2020 draft.
And then behind McDaniels, there's Ayo Dosunmu, who averaged 14.4 points per game after he arrived in Minneapolis last season at the deadline. He could take priority over Kuminga, too.
Lakers offer Jonathan Kuminga the best opportunity
Los Angeles can offer Kuminga more than playing time, as the Lakers can give him more money than the Timberwolves can. As Scotto wrote on July 31, Minnesota has its $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception "up for the taking," which it could use to sign Kuminga after missing out on LeBron.
If the Lakers land Kuminga via a sign-and-trade, they'd have to sign him to no less than a three-year deal. Not only could they offer more money than the Timberwolves can (given Minnesota's current roster), but they could also offer a little more stability.
All of that, on top of giving him the kind of role he is looking for. Of course, it would be on Kuminga to take advantage of it all, but there'd be no better place for him to do so than in Los Angeles.
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