LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have shown life recently after the tumultuous months of December and January. They are looking for reinforcements to build on this progress. That search has already led the Lakers to open trade talks with the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga. They just got a major boost. It could see Kuminga in purple and gold before the trade deadline.
Lakers Edge Closer To Jonathan Kuminga Trade With Warriors
By now, everyone knows the flaws of this Lakers team. They lack athleticism. The Lakers lack consistent three-point shooting. They own a bad defense. Head coach JJ Redick has resorted to various schemes to mask these issues. To his credit, Los Angeles has been a top-eight seed all season. They currently occupy fifth with a 26-16 record. Still, they own a bottom-six defense. They lack elite defensive talent. To this end, GM Rob Pelinka has made phone calls all season. The Lakers have linked themselves with every wing under the sun. Targets range from Herb Jones to Deandre Hunter. Kuminga sits high on their radar. He is uber athletic. Kuminga is better known for his offensive exploits. He has also shown lockdown defense when motivated.
Kuminga’s Fallout in Golden State
Kuminga has struggled to remain a permanent fixture in Golden State’s plans. His dissatisfaction with his role under head coach Steve Kerr led to a well-publicized contract standoff. That standoff took the whole summer and more to resolve. The Warriors’ hot start to the season coincided with a revitalized Kuminga. Many believed all parties had moved forward. That belief proved short-lived.
Before tonight’s game, Kuminga had received 13 straight DNPs. He has fallen out of favor with Kerr. Many now consider their relationship irreconcilable.
Butler Injury Shifts Warriors’ Direction
Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL has drastically changed the Warriors’ plans. It has altered both their short-term and long-term outlook. They now project as sellers instead of buyers at the deadline. The Warriors sit eighth in the ultra-competitive West. They could quickly slide down the standings in Butler’s absence.
Golden State sits well over the first apron. They will look to cut salary. Golden State want to reduce their luxury tax burden this season. They are already in the repeater tax. Years of contention have led to this point. They project to pay $81 million in tax payments. That assumes they keep their current $207 million roster intact.
Why a Lakers Deal Now Makes Sense
The Warriors will trade Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers to save money. They will do so if they choose to tank the season. Los Angeles have a couple of expirings that can be a useful to means to this end. This appears the likely outcome. Golden State is prioritizing an all-in pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Before Butler’s injury, Los Angeles and Golden State had little overlap on the trade market. Now, circumstances have changed. A misfortune may bring these division rivals together. It could produce a sensible trade for both teams.
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