The Los Angeles Lakers are still scrambling, desperately hunting for more talent, and guess who's apparently at the absolute top of their priority list? Jonathan Kuminga. Yeah, it feels like this saga has been dragging on forever, but the latest intel says he's *still* expected to land in LA.
The "When and How Much" Headache For LA
It's not a slam dunk yet, though. Sean Deveney reported there's an expectation Kuminga will land with the Lakers, but the real questions are *when* it happens and *how much* Los Angeles will have to give up. The vibe is that the Lakers probably don't have many better options available, so they're in a tough spot here. They've gotta consider what's on the table, especially if this ends up being a sign-and-trade. That's a big decision for a team that's clearly looking for a shake-up.The Sign-and-Trade Sticker Shock and Kuminga's Exit Plan
Here's the part that should make Los Angeles fans sweat a bit: if a sign-and-trade deal goes down, Kuminga would need to get at least a three-year contract. Deveney pointed out that there could be options or non-guarantees after the first year. Why? Because Kuminga apparently wants the ability to get back into free agency quickly if he plays well next season. Think about that: you're signing a guy who might already be eyeing the door! The source also calls him a "decent player," but notes he'll be on his third team in less than a year. He's not some perfect, do-everything superstar. The Lakers are looking at a long-term commitment for a guy who might already be planning his next move. That’s a gamble, plain and simple. So, the Lakers find themselves in a bind, trying to add a player who could be gone in a year. How much will they give up, and what does it mean for their future if Kuminga performs just well enough to bounce? These are big questions for Los Angeles as they try to figure out their path forward.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.