“He Talks Too Much”: Draymond Green Makes Feelings Clear About Jonathan Kuminga Amid Lakers Interest

ballervisions 2026年1月16日

From appearing in 12 games to start the season to not playing in the last 12 games. Jonathan Kuminga’s season after signing a two-year, $46.8 million contract has been inconsistent again. The 23-year-old didn’t get enough support from head coach Steve Kerr this season, but his teammates were vocal and supportive of JK. A few weeks after the reassuring words from Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green extended his love.

“He (Kuminga) is dealing with it better than I could, I was just telling someone today.” After the Golden State Warriors’ victory over the Knicks, Green spoke candidly about Jonathan Kuminga’s decision to request an official trade. “The way he dealt with this thing at the age of 23, I salute him because he stayed engaged, his attitude is the same every day, he comes in smiling, he almost talked too much on the bench, and that is a compliment.

The way he responded to this will not only save his basketball career, but his attitude will carry him well for the rest of his life because he was a miracle. So, like I said on the show, whether you’re here past the deadline or whether you’re past the deadline, one thing’s for sure he’s going to be in shape, and he’s going to be ready. You bring a positive attitude. He is one of the best young men I have ever been around. So I can’t overstate enough how amazing he was.”

Jonathan Kuminga was looking for a way out last season, but signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal with a team option. Although he spoke highly of the boy, Steve Kerr somehow failed to deliver on the promise. The coach recently said he was “disappointed” with the way Kuminga’s season went. In the 163 minutes Kuminga, Butler, and Green shared the field, the Dubs posted a 114.8 offensive rating but a better 106.3 defensive rating (113.2 def season average).

Reports of “broken” relationships, along with the coach’s recent secret statements, continue to dominate the commercial market. For more than a month, Kuminga has been out of the Warriors rotation, which has drawn backlash from former NBA players, analysts and fans. ESPN’s Shams Charania, who has been the most reliable source on the Kuminga trade game, confirmed that the player’s relationship with the front office is “non-existent” at this time.

Green’s support comes at a time when Jonathan Kuminga needs it most. It’s a similar sentiment that teammate Butler shared a few weeks ago. “That’s my brother, so I don’t care if he changes. So his future, it’s between him and anyone else, but the bond and the brotherhood we’ve built, no future will change if it’s my boy.”

The Lakers continue to monitor Jonathan Kuminga’s condition

Although Green and Butler have extended their support, the only way JK can play more is from the Bay Area. This season, the 23-year-old’s stats have dropped. So far, he’s averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from the three-point line. This is significantly lower than his career averages of 50.2 percent shooting from the field and 33.1 percent from the three-point line.

As expected, this affected Kuminga’s trade, as according to NBA insiders, there aren’t many teams willing to buy the young player, let alone offer something the Warriors are willing to trade for. But this turns out to be the right choice for the Lakers as they are not looking to overspend on the player. They’ve been in the market for a 3-DD wing with the size to give them some sort of shield on the perimeter. NBA insider Jake Fischer shared in his column that the Purple and Gold have shown interest in Kuminga since the summer’s restricted free agency.

Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that GM Rob Pelinka is a “fan” of JK. The Lakers are also in the market for deals that would bring out Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt. They are also looking to trade their first round pick in 2032 for a few first round picks. With Kuminga already handing in his trade request and the Feb. 5 deadline looming, the Lakers will quickly find the right solution.

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