Kuminga's Lakers path widens after Cavaliers' Watson deal

Kevon Looney already filled Los Angeles' center vacancy.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 201 min read

What happened: The Cavaliers acquired Peyton Watson in a three-team deal Wednesday, removing one of Kuminga's three remaining suitors. Los Angeles and Kuminga remain at an impasse over annual salary.

Why it matters: The Lakers still need a versatile wing defender for the upcoming season. Minnesota remains an alternative, while an Atlanta sign-and-trade offers another route to Los Angeles.

By the numbers: Watson's four-year, $88 million contract averages $22 million annually. That compares with the Lakers' roughly $10 million initial proposal, Kuminga's roughly $20 million ask and Minnesota's $6 million exception.

What to watch: Watch whether Los Angeles raises its offer or pursues a sign-and-trade with Atlanta before September.

Sources

Yahoo NBA 2026-08-20T05:54:41.956566+00:00

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NBAAnalysisLos Angeles LakersCleveland CavaliersDenver NuggetsJonathan KumingaPeyton Watson

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