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The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be interested in Jonathan Kuminga, but optimistic fans are ignoring the forward's desire for a hefty contract with his history of not buying into his role. He had a multiple-year standoff with the Golden State Warriors that ended up with him being traded. His role fluctuated as head coach Steve Kerr’s frustrations with the young player grew. They only paid him to use as a trade chip and the Hawks just walked away from Kuminga. The 23-year-old wants to be paid, and Lakers fans thinking signing him solves their problems would be disappointed.
LA offered $10 million per year over two years, but Kuminga reportedly wanted $20 million each season, according to Jovan Buha. That is more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception and would make Kuminga one of the four highest-paid players on their roster. That is not ideal given his history of abandoning his role to try to show off his potential.
The Lakers may finally be done chasing Kuminga. The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that the talks between the two sides have stalled (subscription required). Los Angeles signed Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle to give them 16 players on guaranteed contracts. They need to make a trade, but things with Kuminga could be done.
Lakers fans hyped about Jonathan Kuminga’s pursuit are ignoring his past
The Lakers still have a massive hole for a starting forward. They wisely targeted Kuminga over Rui Hachimura, but that was when it seemed like they could get the 23-year-old for $10 million per year. That is a low-cost bet on a talented player that has shown plenty of potential.
LA got Thybulle and Williams on minimum deals. Both have strengths and warts. Thybulle is an elite defender, which is what the purple and gold need. Kuminga offers more offense than either of these players, but he also costs significantly more.
If JK is going to get $20 million per year, he would have to be totally bought into his role. The Lakers would need him to improve his jumper and play stout defense. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are going to do the ball-handling and playmaking. Kuminga would have to accept being a lesser option and lock in on the defensive end. He was unwilling to do that in Golden State and still wants to be paid handsomely.
The 6’7 forward has primarily come off the bench for the last two years. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 23.1 minutes per game. Those are not the numbers of a $20 million per year player. Kuminga showed he can be a valuable role player when he bought into that spot in Golden State and Atlanta. Sadly, it was only an occasional occurrence instead of a nightly commitment.
The issues between Kuminga and the Warriors are well-documented at this point. The young forward thought coach Kerr was holding him back. It led to a restricted free agency standoff and an ugly exit. JK clearly thinks he can still be a star, but there has been little to no proof of that.
Los Angeles Lakers fans dreaming of the ideal version of Jonathan Kuminga are ignoring his history. Maybe the 23-year-old buys into his role, but the contract ask suggests he still believes he should be playing a larger role. Giving in could lead to another Lakers’ disaster. If they can get Kuminga on a discount, go for it, but history suggests paying him would be a mistake.
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This article was originally published on lakeshowlife.com as Lakers fans dreaming of Jonathan Kuminga are ignoring what Warriors already learned.
