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Lakers' Kuminga Pursuit Falters After $20M Offer Rejection

7/20/2026

Summary

Lakers Pursue Kuminga

The Lakers are pursuing forward Jonathan Kuminga, who became an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his $24.3 million option.
Kuminga rejected the Lakers’ two-year, $20 million offer, leaving him to consider a veteran-minimum or mid-level deal for 2026-27.
The Lakers lack the bi-annual exception and hold only a 2032 pick swap and three future second-round picks, making their proposed three-team trade for Kuminga and Jericho Sims unlikely.

Summary

Hawks Acquire Dort

The Hawks acquired Lu Dort, a $17.7 million contract expiring next summer, saving $40 million of cap space for 2027.
By trading former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher and avoiding long-term wing contracts, Atlanta pursued a short-term roster that contracts the Eastern Conference wing market.
Dort joins Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Aaron Wiggins, giving Atlanta a two-way perimeter group and reflecting Onsi Saleh’s emphasis on disciplined, flexible decision-making and roster flexibility over re-signing Kuminga.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 NBA lockout, the fourth under Commissioner David Stern, began on July 1 and lasted 161 days, ending with a new CBA on December 8, 2011. Negotiated by Stern and NBPA leaders Billy Hunter and Derek Fisher, the agreement cut the salary cap, set a 49-51.2 % revenue split and introduced a one-time amnesty exemption, rules that still shape team payroll strategies today.

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Lakers Pursue Kuminga

The Lakers are pursuing forward Jonathan Kuminga, who became an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his $24.3 million option.
Kuminga rejected the Lakers’ two-year, $20 million offer, leaving him to consider a veteran-minimum or mid-level deal for 2026-27.
The Lakers lack the bi-annual exception and hold only a 2032 pick swap and three future second-round picks, making their proposed three-team trade for Kuminga and Jericho Sims unlikely.

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