Lakers pursue Jonathan Kuminga amid Cavaliers' preference for Peyton Watson
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 12:58 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to add Jonathan Kuminga, pitched as a potential starter alongside Luka Doncic. A report indicates that the Cleveland Cavaliers are focusing on a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets' Peyton Watson, which could ease the competition for Kuminga. Although Cleveland remains interested in Kuminga, their priority shift to Watson seems to favor the Lakers' chances. The Lakers made an initial offer of a two-year, $20 million deal, but Kuminga's camp seeks better opportunities, possibly requiring a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks for financial flexibility.
- •Lakers pitched Kuminga a starting role next to Doncic.
- •Cavaliers prioritizing Watson for sign-and-trade limits competition for Kuminga.
- •Lakers' offer for Kuminga is reportedly $20 million over two years.
- •Kuminga remains an unrestricted free agent after not having his option picked up.
- •Cleveland could shift focus away from Kuminga if they secure Watson.
- 12:12 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga Update After Latest NBA Trade
- 12:58 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga News After Rival’s Decision
"A rival’s latest move creates another obstacle for the Lakers in their pursuit of two coveted young forwards, including Jonathan Kuminga. The post Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga Update After Latest NBA Trade appeared first on HEAVY.
"The Lakers have pitched Jonathan Kuminga on a major role. A rival’s new preference could make that sell more meaningful. The post Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga News After Rival’s Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 12:12 AMLakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga Update After Latest NBA Trade
A rival’s latest move creates another obstacle for the Lakers in their pursuit of two coveted young forwards, including Jonathan Kuminga. The post Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga Update After Latest NBA Trade appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 12:58 AMLakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga News After Rival’s Decision
The Lakers have pitched Jonathan Kuminga on a major role. A rival’s new preference could make that sell more meaningful. The post Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga News After Rival’s Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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