Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for freakishly athletic ex-Warriors $46M NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the NBA’s busiest teams this offseason as they continue building around superstar Luka Doncic. With LeBron James departing in free agency, the Lakers are ushering in a new era in Los Angeles.

The Lakers have yet to find an ideal replacement for James, although replacing a player of his caliber is nearly impossible. One player they have shown significant interest in is NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga.

“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

However, things took an interesting turn Monday when the Lakers signed young wing Ziaire Williams, who played high school basketball with Bronny James. Williams agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to sign Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday. Williams, 24, will join an overhauled frontcourt that lost forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura in free agency. The 6-foot-9 forward, who averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season, will give Lakers coach JJ Redick added length and versatility off the bench,” ESPN’s Ben Golliver wrote.

The signing raised questions about Kuminga’s path to Los Angeles. However, Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters believes the Lakers could still make room for him by trading Bronny James.

“Since all of the roster spots are now filled, the Lakers would need to shed a player or two to make room for Kuminga, who reportedly is eyeing a deal worth $25 million per year. Of course, with LeBron James no longer on the squad, parting ways with Bronny James could also be an option, though it’s worth noting that his $2.3 million salary is already guaranteed for the upcoming season,” Peters wrote.

With LeBron James no longer on the roster, the Lakers no longer have the same organizational connection that previously existed. A trade could also give Bronny James an opportunity to join a team where he has a clearer path to earning a consistent role.

Last season, Kuminga was on a $46 million deal. The Lakers like the idea of pairing Kuminga with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Acquiring him would likely require a larger package than simply moving Bronny James, but such a deal could be a starting point if Los Angeles remains determined to land the talented forward.

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