Lakers land center Looney; in pursuit of Kuminga, sources say
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Kevon Looney to a one-year, $3.9 million deal to serve as a backup center following the trade of Deandre Ayton to the Wizards.
- The Lakers remain actively pursuing unrestricted free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, who declined a $24.3 million team option from the Atlanta Hawks and is being pitched a significant role alongside Luka Doncic.
- Financial constraints have limited the Lakers' ability to offer Kuminga a large contract, as they have already committed to players like Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, leaving only one roster spot open after signing Looney.
- Kuminga and his agent are holding out for better offers, with potential sign-and-trade scenarios involving the Hawks or other teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who also have expressed interest.
- The Lakers continue to negotiate with Kuminga's camp, emphasizing his importance to their future, but face competition and salary cap challenges as they seek to finalize their roster.
