Great news for Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler: Warriors recover key contributor to play the Lakers

Great news continues to roll in for the Golden State Warriors as they prepare for the final stretch of the 2024-25 NBA season. Along with the stellar performance following the arrival of Jimmy Butler, they’ll have another reinforcement to help Stephen Curry and company face off against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers have had a strong hold over the Warriors in their matchups during the 2024-25 season. In the three games they’ve played, Golden State hasn’t been able to secure a win, with only one game ending with a margin of less than five points.

While the Los Angeles Lakers have climbed to second place in the Western Conference with Luka Doncic continuing to improve, the Golden State Warriors have reached the positions for direct playoff qualification.

The next meeting between the Lakers and the Warriors in the 2024-25 NBA season is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, at 9:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena. For the Lakers, it’s expected that LeBron James will return fully recovered from a groin strain. As for Golden State, they’ll have a key reinforcement ready with competitive rhythm.

Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors enters the game for Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Barclays Center on March 06, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Warriors to have star reinforcement ready to face the Lakers

Following the notion that the best reinforcement is bringing back a player from injury, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Jonathan Kuminga is set to return to the Golden State Warriors lineup for their game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, March 13.

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Warriors’ Jimmy Butler sends clear message about teaming up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green

“Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga – out since Jan. 4 with a sprained ankle – plans to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings, sources tell ESPN. Kuminga averaged 20.5 points in his last 14 games played, and now reintegrates to a surging team.” Sharania wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

How LeBron James fared against Jonathan Kuminga in the NBA

In his four years in the NBA, Jonathan Kuminga has faced LeBron James on eight occasions. Usually tasked with guarding ‘The King,’ Kuminga once limited James to just 13 points. However, LeBron still averaged 33.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game when going head-to-head with Kuminga.