Story by
Lakers reportedly have path to sign $15M athletic former first-rounder to join Luka Doncic
- Story by
- Lakers reportedly have path to sign $15M athletic former first-rounder to join Luka Doncic
Lakers reportedly have path to sign $15M athletic former first-rounder to join Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
As everyone knows, the Los Angeles Lakers were high on Jonathan Kuminga and wanted to bring him in for the upcoming season. Before he had even proven anything to Los Angeles, the Lakers were willing to give him the starting power forward position, which was a major part of their selling point.
Advertisement
However, after a two-month-long battle, Kuminga did not sign with the Lakers. Instead, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a significantly smaller deal.
"Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves , plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. Kuminga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.
The Lakers are now searching the market for other options after Kuminga decided not to commit to the organization. However, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer mentioned that there could be an opportunity for Los Angeles to pursue Cam Whitmore.
"He does have two-way eligibility, to my understanding," Fischer said. "I don't know if Cam Whitmore is necessarily open to a two-way contract, but he doesn't really have guaranteed roster spots to choose from. It might be something he has to consider at a certain point in time."
Advertisement
This could be a major opportunity for Whitmore, who was involved in the trade that sent Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers . He was then waived almost immediately.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived Cam Whitmore, league sources told hoopshype. Whitmore, the 20th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, has averaged 10.5 points on 45% from the field and 35% from 3-point range in 17.3 minutes during three NBA seasons with the Rockets and Wizards ," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto wrote.
For the Lakers, this would be a great low-risk move, especially if they are only offering the former first-round pick a two-way contract. Whitmore is a capable volume shooter, which could provide another offensive weapon alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Before being waived, Whitmore was on a $15 million rookie contract. It is unfortunate how his career has unfolded to this point, but another opportunity could now be waiting for him in Los Angeles.
Advertisement
