​ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 25: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks grabs a rebound against Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 03: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga has become more difficult without them making another move. Their earlier interest in Peyton Watson now looks even less actionable.The Cleveland Cavaliers created additional financial flexibility Friday by trading Dennis Schröder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Cleveland plans to strongly pursue Kuminga and Watson, with both possibilities becoming more viable after the deal, Charania added.For the Lakers, that qualifies as unwelcome news. They remain interested in Kuminga, but their roster is full, their spending power is limited and their proposed sign-and-trade framework has not satisfied the Atlanta Hawks.Cleveland, meanwhile, improved its ability to negotiate for either forward.Salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan reported that the Cavaliers saved approximately $6.8 million in the Schröder trade. Cleveland now sits roughly $30 million below the first apron and $42 million below the second, leaving considerably more room to add salary through a trade.Pelinka, Redick Made Luka Dončić Pitch to KumingaGettyJonathan Kuminga drives against Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.The Lakers’ interest in Kuminga became serious after Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option in June.Kuminga met virtually with Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick the next day, ESPN’s Anthony Slater previously reported. They presented him with a vision of playing heavy minutes alongside Luka Dončić in a spacious offense designed to open driving lanes and showcase his athleticism.Los Angeles’ basketball pitch was clear. Its financial offer was less persuasive.The Lakers initially could offer Kuminga approximately two years and $20 million. They subsequently used most of their flexibility to acquire or sign Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quent