Former NBA player Iman Shumpert appears to have inadvertently revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. The comment was made during an episode of the "Shump Street" podcast, where Shumpert discussed NBA free agency with insider Shams Charania.
When the conversation turned to the Lakers, Shumpert stated, "I thought Kuminga went to LA?" Charania quickly responded, "That’s not done yet."
The Lakers are actively pursuing Kuminga, who is seeking a lucrative contract. The team reportedly offered him an annual salary of $10 million, which would place him below new signees Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes, who are expected to earn $13 million annually. Kuminga is reportedly seeking a deal that reflects his value, especially with a potential star role alongside Luka Doncic being dangled.
Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a potential facilitator for a sign-and-trade, reportedly willing to send Kuminga to the Lakers in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap. The Lakers' cap space has diminished significantly after signing Kessler, Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, and Grimes, making a direct signing of Kuminga challenging without creative maneuvering.
Despite an active start to free agency, the Lakers have made limited moves in recent days. General manager Rob Pelinka faces the challenge of finding a viable path to acquire Kuminga, as the roster is perceived as incomplete without further additions.