Austin Reaves' $5M sacrifice could help Lakers land Warriors' NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers have been active this offseason, and they do not appear to be finished making moves. The front office is still searching for an athletic wing to help replace some of the production lost with LeBron James' departure.

The Lakers have done a strong job adding young talent, including Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and Quentin Grimes. Los Angeles has also shown interest in former Warriors forward 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.

The Lakers made an interesting move Monday by signing young wing Ziaire Williams, raising questions about Kuminga's path to Los Angeles. However, the team still appears to be pursuing Kuminga as a potential fit alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“There are definitely people in the Lakers organization who thought it wasn't an either/or situation with Ziaire Williams and Jonathan Kuminga. Team has spent its summer adding youth, depth and athleticism,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike posted.

Despite the Williams signing, the Lakers may still have a path to acquiring Kuminga. Reaves' recently finalized contract, originally expected to be worth $185 million, ultimately came in at $180 million after he agreed to a lower salary to provide the team with additional financial flexibility.

“Update on Austin Reaves’ contract with the Lakers: Final terms are four years, $180 million, with a player option in 2029–30, league sources tell me. Reaves agreed to a lower amount than the previously reported $185 million to help give Los Angeles more future flexibility,” Lakers insider Jovan Buha wrote.

Reaves' decision to accept a lower salary could ultimately help the Lakers if they continue pursuing Kuminga. The former undrafted guard has shown a willingness to give the organization greater flexibility as it continues building its roster.

Kuminga remains one of the Lakers' top reported targets, and if Los Angeles is able to complete a deal, Reaves' contract decision could prove to be an important factor in making it possible.

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