SAN FRANCISCO – Blasting downcourt at breakneck speed. A backpedaling defense in front of him. The rim drawing close. Those defenders creeping closer.

Jonathan Kuminga, who recently signed his new $46.5 million contract, had been in that situation innumerable times.

The crowd at Chase Center had seen the same result innumerable times: A wild shot in traffic, or worse, a turnover to go along with an exasperated look from coach Steve Kerr on the sideline. More frustration.

But with this familiar spectacle unfolding early in the third quarter of the Warriors’ 111-103 victory over the shorthanded Lakers, Kuminga tried something new.

He made the right play and threw a timely bounce pass to a cutting Buddy Hield for two points.

A minute later, Kuminga dribbled the ball upcourt as the point

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