Kuminga denies Lakers ever made him a competing offer

Jonathan Kuminga told The Athletic he passed on the Lakers because of the outside noise surrounding the team, wanting an environment that kept him focused on basketball and his growth. He said Minnesota offered a better defensive fit and a clearer role, calling it the better overall situation for him.

Aaron Turner, agent for Jonathan Kuminga, said on FanDuel TV's 'Run It Back' that Minnesota offered his client stability but framed next summer's free agency as a stronger opportunity, naming the Kings and Bulls as teams with cap space.

Aaron Turner, who represents Jonathan Kuminga, said on FanDuel TV's 'Run It Back' that the Lakers, Bulls and Blazers all pursued his client, and that Portland's proposal carried a higher player option than the one-year, $12.1 million deal he took in Minnesota.