Jonathan Kuminga inches closer to joining Luka Doncic on Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers and Jonathan Kuminga have been linked for much of the offseason.But the framework to get Kuminga in purple and gold remains complex.

Despite being an unrestricted free agent, Kuminga joining the Lakers requires a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks.The Lakers don’t have the cap space to sign Kuminga outright, leaving the team with limited options to acquire the 23-year-old forward.A decision is expected to come soon.

The Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be the remaining teams in the sweepstakes, but Kuminga’s reported preference is LA.The squad initially pitched Kuminga the opportunity to start alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

But Kuminga’s camp wanted more money than in the Lakers’ initial deal, believed to be worth $10 million annually.With training camp next month, Kuminga’s market has continued to shrink.The Timberwolves can sign Kuminga as part of their tax mid-level exception, without requiring the Hawks cooperation.In some ways, it’s an easier deal for the Timberwolves to get done.Kuminga’s free agency has been a complex process, but it’s near its conclusion....