Cavaliers, Lakers reportedly favorites to sign $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion as season nears

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Cavaliers, Lakers reportedly favorites to sign $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion as season nears originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for a starting power forward throughout the summer after moving on from three of their five starters from a season ago. It is a new era in Los Angeles, with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic leading the charge.

The Lakers have been pursuing Jonathan Kuminga since the start of free agency. From the beginning, there has been mutual interest between the two sides.

“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

However, as time has gone on, the process has become more complicated for the Lakers. Kuminga and his camp are seeking a contract that Los Angeles has not been willing to offer, which has led to a standstill in negotiations.

“The Athletic has reported on the Lakers' interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios," The Athletic's Dan Woike wrote.

Despite this roadblock, the Lakers still appear to be in a strong position to land the NBA champion. Los Angeles and the Cleveland Cavaliers are believed to be the two frontrunners for Kuminga.

“The Lakers and Cavaliers still seem like the most likely landing spots for Kuminga, likely by way of sign-and-trade. The Wolves could be a darkhorse if he wants to take a pay cut, as I don't believe Minnesota will want to acquire him via sign-and-trade, and they are the closest of these teams to getting to the NBA Finals,” SI’s Jackson Caudell wrote.

Los Angeles wants to be the team that ultimately lands Kuminga, as the Lakers are in significant need of a starter at the power forward position. The former Golden State Warrior has also developed a reputation for being difficult to negotiate with during contract talks.

Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season. The Lakers have been high on Kuminga throughout the entire summer, and it seems like no other team has wanted him as much as Los Angeles. Obviously, time will tell how the situation unfolds, but the Lakers have to like where they currently stand in the race for Kuminga.

More NBA news:

• Thunder young star Chet Holmgren's future in limbo because of Spurs' Victor Wembanyama's success​

• Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for $77M high-level scorer, fan favorite in 4-team mega deal​

• Heat want to sign $603M Hall of Fame duo to complete the roster after missing out on LeBron James​

• Cavaliers expected to part ways with $117M 13-year veteran to make room for Peyton Watson​

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