The Los Angeles Lakers' quest to spend the money that would have been allocated to LeBron James on role players has now led them to former Golden State Warriors top pick and Atlanta Hawks bench scorer Jonathan Kuminga, though they aren't the only team with that bright idea.
Per Mike Scotto's latest rumor dump, the Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in signing Kuminga and throwing a wrench into the Lakers' pursuit. LA might have a bit more money to spend in this endeavor, but the Wolves are going to attempt to give Kuminga a chance to start on a ready-made contender.
The Timberwolves, per Scotto, are willing to use their $6 million taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Kuminga. Given how they hollowed out their roster and left a hole at the power forward spot that Kuminga can fill, they can be discounted as a suitor. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to this pairing coming to fruition is Kuminga's evaluation of himself.
Wolves coud compete with Lakers in Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes
Kuminga averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, putting up averages that are right within his career averages. Those numbers are worth developing, especially for a player who is so young, but the Lakers might not be the best fit for his services.
Kuminga is another big name that would give the Lakers more scoring pop alongside Luka Doncic, but without a great 3-point shot or passing ability, Kuminga might be a heliocentric ball-stopper who famously doesn't play well alongside Doncic. Figuring out how to get him, new signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Jake Laravia minutes that make all of them look good could be an adventure.
While the Timberwolves would have two players in Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball who both need the ball, Kuminga's positional archetype might be desirable for a team that traded away Naz Reid and is unturning every stone trying to find role players. Financially, however, Kuminga may try to end up with the highest bidder as he locks in his first big earning opportunity, and betting on himself could be a very risky idea.
The Lakers will need to come prepared with both a hefty contract offer and a promise of an important role on a contender to secure Kuminga. Minnesota, however, might be in a stronger position at this point in time on the court. If all things are even, the Lakers might find it hard to beat the Wolves out.
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