The noise around Jonathan Kuminga is growing day by day, as different teams look to build on their frontcourts. One name that has lately been in the news is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Golden State Warriors have confirmed that they were on the lookout for expiring salaries, and the Lakers have options in that category.
Kuminga is available to trade now. As per Dallas Mavericks reporter Grant Afseth, the Lakers have begun taking an active interest in forming a deal for the forward. Afseth wrote:
“Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Los Angeles has been evaluating pathways to add athleticism and defensive versatility on the wing as it continues to build around Luka Dončić. Kuminga’s physical profile and contractual control align with those priorities, keeping the Lakers in the cluster of teams positioned to engage if Golden State accelerates talks closer to the deadline.”
The Lakers have a mix of contracts that can be clubbed to make a deal of interest for the Warriors. Rui Hachimura’s $18.2 million, Gabe Vincent’s $11.5 million, and Maxi Kleber’s $11 miilion are some of the options for the management. Dalton Knecht can also be part of the deal, given his offensive slump after a few early good games.
When it comes to defensive rating, the Lakers are among the bottom five in the league (118.4). Even though the Luka Doncic and LeBron James duo has looked comfortable together, the defensive efforts have been really worrisome.
Kuminga, a 3-and-D player, can provide crucial defensive plays in times of need and also give a shooting option on the wing on offense. He had a commendable conference semifinals last season, averaging 20.8 points.
That momentum couldn’t replicate this season, as the young forward went into some trouble with the Warriors management and head coach Steve Kerr. That sure took a toll on his production and minutes, and he was sidelined due to lower back soreness. However, some reports have suggested otherwise.
Jonathan Kuminga reportedly faked injury to remain off the roster
As per a report by The Athletic, Jonathan Kuminga might have faked his injury earlier in December. While the report said that he was out due to lower back strain, the report suggested that it might be due to his dwindling minutes.
Kuminga averaged 5.8 points and six rebounds in December in 16.7 minutes. After the Phoenix game on December 12, he was reported to play against the OKC Thunder, with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green out for the game.
However, Kuminga suddenly featured on the injury list before the game, and the team lost the matchup by 37 points. Coach Steve Kerr had no idea of Kuminga’s absence in the post-game presser, but one of the Warriors players told The Athletic that “the coach didn’t believe in him.”
READ MORE: 5 Players Warriors Should Target as Jonathan Kuminga Demands Trade After Year Long Stalemate
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
