If Jonathan Kuminga needed another reason to eventually land with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, the young forward might have got it after early revelations on the schedule for the Golden State Warriors next season.
The Warriors will visit the Lakers for each team's season opener at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, giving Kuminga an instant opportunity for revenge if the former Warrior finds himself back in California.
Jonathan Kuminga given another reason to join Lakers in free agency
The Warriors and Lakers both missed out on a spot in the league's three-game opening day slate on October 20, but their matchup a night later will still be a marquee one as superstars Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic go head-to-head.
The battle will add another storyline if Kuminga ultimately joins the Lakers, having remained unsigned six weeks through free agency after his $24.3 million team option for next season was declined by the Atlanta Hawks.
It would be even more ironic given Kuminga played an incredibly vital role in Golden State's opening night victory in Los Angeles less than 12 months ago. After a long restricted free agency process that wasn't resolved until October, Kuminga was sensational with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 4-of-6 3-point shooting in a 119-109 win over the Lakers.
Unfortunately his strong form and starting role couldn't extend far beyond that season opener, with the former seventh overall pick eventually traded to the Hawks in exchange for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis at February's mid-season deadline.
Lakers remain likeliest suitor for Jonathan Kuminga
There remains a strong chance that Kuminga does face his former team as a member of the Lakers in the season opener, particularly given the Cleveland Cavaliers' focus on restricted free agent Peyton Watson and the Hawks' further signal that they've moved on by giving Lu Dort his No. 0 jersey.
In an appearance on Hoops Talk with Allen Sliwa on Tuesday, ESPN's Anthony Slater reiterated that the Lakers remain patient but are still the "hungriest suitor" for Kuminga as we enter the middle of August.
"I think the Lakers are sitting there still as the hungriest suitor, but also knowing at this point there's not necessarily a reason to throttle forward and blow out the rest of your assets and get him every last dollar he wants," Slater said.
Kuminga is hoping for a contract near $20 million per year, but may have to settle for something significantly less if the Lakers (or another team) can't come to terms on a sign-and-trade with the Hawks.
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