Lakers Lose Jonathan Kuminga to West Rival
Jonathan Kuminga has signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, turning down a more lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. The decision was influenced by a strong recruitment effort from the Timberwolves' leadership and star player Anthony Edwards.
Why it matters
This move significantly impacts the roster dynamics of both the Lakers and the Timberwolves, highlighting the influence of player-to-player recruitment in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers offered Jonathan Kuminga more money, a starting job and greater contractual security.
It still was not enough to bring the athletic forward to Los Angeles.
Kuminga agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves that includes a player option, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday. Agent Aaron Turner told ESPN that Kuminga chose Minnesota over offers from the Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers’ proposal would have paid Kuminga more than $12 million annually across three seasons while giving him a similar place in the starting lineup, according to Charania.
Kuminga instead accepted substantially less money for a shorter commitment and more control over his future.
Lakers Miss Out Despite Strong Offer
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