Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green broke down why he believes Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race due to voter fatigue and high expectations. “Luka can go average 34 points and people gonna say ‘yeah we know, he’s supposed to do that,’” Green noted.

In his season opener with the Lakers, Doncic posted 28 points—going a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line—alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. It was a reassuring stat line that underscored his steady climb back to peak form while anchoring Los Angeles’ broader championship ambitions.

While established stars like Kawhi Leonard have navigated high-profile franchise shifts in the past, Doncic appears comfortably settled as the focal point of a new era in Los Angeles, one charting its course following LeBron James’ offseason move to Philadelphia.

Green addresses Lendeborg’s clash with Doncic

Rather than criticizing Lendeborg for taking shots at the veteran superstar, Green views the rookie’s aggressive welcome to the league as a crucial step in his NBA development with the Warriors.

“Everyone will say the rookie learned his lesson. What he learn? The next time he see him, go at his ass again,” Green said following Golden State’s hard-fought loss to a rejuvenated Lakers squad.

“So do it again and again and again, cause I ain’t gonna f* shut up. So nice, I like it, and I hope he keeps talking that s*,” Green added, praising Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic.

Key takeaways

• Draymond Green stated Luka Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race.
• Doncic posted 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the season opener.
• Green praised Yaxel Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic despite the loss.

“I had a lot of respect for him (Luka). You know, just watching. I didn’t really watch the NBA much, I just watched highlights. Seeing him, you know, kill people all the time. But then being in there firsthand, just watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man. Like that was awful,“ Lendeborg told reporters during his postgame press conference.

Doncic served as the focal point for a Lakers squad ushering in a new era following LeBron James’ departure. Pacing Los Angeles with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, Doncic made it clear he is more than capable of carrying the mantle as the franchise’s centerpiece.

While Lendeborg pulled no punches regarding Doncic’s on-court demeanor, the Warriors struggled as a collective unit throughout the night, raising early concerns among Dub Nation about another underwhelming campaign.

Lakers surge past Warriors in second half after tight opening stint

The game remained tightly contested early, with Stephen Curry scoring 16 of his team-high 23 points in the first half. However, Los Angeles took complete control after the break, exploiting the interior and blowing the game open with a decisive 36–16 run in the third quarter.

Doncic spearheaded the Lakers‘ perimeter attack, dropping 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while sinking five three-pointers. Inside, center Walker Kessler provided a flawless performance, going 12-for-12 from the floor for 26 points and nine boards. Guard Austin Reaves chipped in 23 points and six assists, aggressively probing the paint to draw 10 free throw attempts.

Golden State had no answers for the Lakers’ inside-out attack, surrendering 66 points in the paint while stumbling to a dismal 22.2% (8-for-36) night from three-point range. Beyond Curry’s 23 points, the Warriors’ offense lacked punch, with Draymond Green held to just two points on 1-for-4 shooting.

Key takeaways

• Yaxel Lendeborg stated he lost respect for Luka Doncic due to his whining.
• Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
• Golden State surrendered 66 interior points while shooting 22.2% from three-point range.

Butler has been sidelined since January of this year after tearing the ACL in his right knee during a game against the Miami Heat. This type of injury requires a lengthy recovery process, and the Warriors have no intention of rushing his return.

His return to the court is not expected until February 2027. Golden State will have to make do without one of its biggest stars for a significant portion of the season.

More absences for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors will be starting the 2026–27 season not only without Butler but also Moses Moody, as he continues his long road back from a brutal knee injury. Back in late March 2026 during an overtime game against the Dallas Mavericks, Moody suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee that required season-ending surgery.

While a major rehab process like this usually takes up to a year, his recovery has been progressing smoothly, and current reports target a potential return between December 2026 and January 2027. It’s a tough blow for Golden State’s perimeter depth early on, but having him back mid-season will be a massive boost for its rotation.

Warriors’ schedule

The Warriors are diving headfirst into the 2026–27 season with an intense three-game slate in four nights. They kick off their campaign on the road on Wednesday, October 21, heading down south to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.

Two nights later, on Friday, October 23, Dub Nation gets their home opener as Golden State returns to Chase Center in San Francisco to battle the Memphis Grizzlies. To wrap up their quick opening week, the Warriors fly out to Arizona on Saturday, October 24, for a high-powered matchup against the Phoenix Suns.

Key takeaways

• Jimmy Butler is sidelined following a right knee ACL tear suffered in January 2026.
• Moses Moody targets a return between December 2026 and January 2027 from knee surgery.
• Golden State Warriors open their 2026–27 season on Wednesday, October 21 against the Lakers.

One of the most influential perimeter players on Steve Kerr’s championship-winning Warriors squad, Thompson decided to seek a fresh start and take his talents to Dallas. However, injuries proved to be a major headache for him.

Now, in this new chapter of his career, Klay moved to South Florida to join the Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra now has one of the best shooters in the league at his disposal, while the team also managed to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo during the latest offseason.

A glorious era for the Warriors

During his legendary 13-year run in the Bay, Klay Thompson was an absolute force of nature, anchoring the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty with four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022).

Thompson put up mind-boggling numbers and shattered records that still sound made up—like dropping an NBA-record 37 points in a single quarter against Sacramento, draining 14 three-pointers in a single game against Chicago, and explosion-scoring 60 points in just 29 minutes taking a mere 11 dribbles. Add in five All-Star nods and his legendary “Game 6 Klay” heroics, and Klay left behind a bulletproof legacy in San Francisco as one of the deadliest shooters to ever touch a basketball.

Thompson’s contract with the Heat

After working out a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson officially joined “Heat Culture” by signing a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Miami Heat. The contract gives him a starting salary around $5.6 million for the 2026–27 season and includes a player option for the second year along with a 15% trade kicker.

By taking a huge pay cut to clear waivers and head down South, Klay locked himself in as Miami’s budget-friendly, high-gravity perimeter weapon—giving Erik Spoelstra an elite veteran sharp-shooter without clogging up the team’s cap space.

Key takeaways

• Klay Thompson signed with the Miami Heat after leaving the Golden State Warriors and Mavericks.
• Klay Thompson won four NBA championships during his 13-year run with Golden State.
• Klay Thompson signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat.

“I would love to retire a Golden State Warrior. However, I’m also not Steph Curry, right? So I don’t have every luxury that Steph Curry has, and that’s okay,“ Green told CNBC when asked about his long-term outlook.

While both Green and Curry signed extensions keeping them in the Bay through this season, the former Defensive Player of the Year acknowledged that his legendary tenure in Golden State could eventually come to an end if his path diverges from the franchise.

With Curry’s status for opening night still up in the air as he works his way back from a preseason ailment, expectations remain high for what Golden State can accomplish this year as they try to reclaim contender status in a stacked Western Conference.

Projected starting lineup for the Warriors

The Warriors‘ projected starting lineup heading into the 2026–27 season opener features a mix of core championship veterans and new frontcourt additions, though head coach Steve Kerr’s final unit will depend on late-breaking health availability:

Warriors’ projected starting lineup

• Point Guard: Stephen Curry
• Shooting Guard: Brandin Podziemski (or De’Anthony Melton)
• Small Forward: Yaxel Lendeborg (or Moses Moody / Gui Santos while Jimmy Butler recovers)
• Power Forward: Draymond Green
• Center: Al Horford or Charles Bassey (with Kristaps Porziņģis sidelined for opening night)

With a core group anchored by Curry, Green, and Butler, the Warriors are aiming to bounce back from a turbulent campaign last year, where a late-season slide caused them to fall short of expectations.

Key takeaways

• Draymond Green expressed his desire to retire as a Golden State Warrior.
• Stephen Curry’s status for opening night remains up in the air due to injury.
• Golden State’s projected lineup features Draymond Green starting at power forward.

Kerr spoke to the media following practice and clarified that Curry’s injury is to his right ankle, noting that Curry stated he is doing fine. It was an immediate update that brought encouraging signs.

The initial concern stems from Curry’s recent injury history, as he was available for just half of the 2025-26 campaign due to ankle, quadricep, and knee injuries. Furthermore, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, a team source reiterated that the issue is not serious.

How Curry enters the upcoming season

Curry, 38, is heading into his 18th season with the Warriors on an expiring $62 million contract. Injuries have become a constant over recent years, including an issue Curry described as “runner’s knee,” which sidelined him for two months between February and April.

Last season, when available, Curry averaged 26.6 points while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.3% from the 3-point range. He also posted 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest, averaging 30.9 minutes across his 43 appearances.

Curry’s absence had a major impact on the team’s success, particularly during stretches when he was sidelined while Jimmy Butler was also out of action due to a knee injury.

The Warriors registered a 13-26 record without Curry in the lineup, compared to 24-19 when he was on the floor. Curry ultimately returned in time for last spring’s play-in tournament, but he could not guide the team to a victory against the Phoenix Suns.

Who would step up in place of Curry?

With Butler still recovering from surgery undergone in January to repair a torn right ACL, having Curry in the lineup will be vital for the Warriors’ hopes of remaining in the NBA postseason hunt.

In the event that Curry requires time off, or if an issue arises at any point during the season, Draymond Green could be tasked with increasing his offensive production as Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton see more playing time in the backcourt.

Key takeaways

• Steve Kerr clarified that Stephen Curry injured his right ankle and is doing fine.
• An expiring $62 million contract belongs to Stephen Curry entering his 18th Warriors season.
• A 13-26 record was posted by the Golden State Warriors without Stephen Curry.

Curry and Morant are both expected to suit up today for their respective clubs’ preseason finale. Fans in attendance will get a marquee preview of two elite point guards taking the floor as both franchises gear up for the upcoming campaign.

While the Warriors had a relatively quiet offseason—a approach Curry himself has commented on—the Trail Blazers are handing the keys to Morant, viewing him as the focal point for a roster blending promising young talent with veteran experience.

Even as contenders like the Minnesota Timberwolves express confidence in their core—with Anthony Edwards recently issuing a bold warning to the rest of the league—both Golden State and Portland are eager to crash the Western Conference playoff picture and prove they can be dangerous threats this season.

Predicted lineups for Warriors vs. Trail Blazers

With Curry and Morant headlining the action, both head coaches are expected to deploy strong starting units to build rhythm and condition starters before real games begin.

• Golden State Warriors
  • PG: Stephen Curry
  • SG: Brandin Podziemski
  • SF: Jimmy Butler / Moses Moody
  • PF: Draymond Green
  • C: Quinten Post
• Portland Trail Blazers
  • PG: Ja Morant
  • SG: Shaedon Sharpe
  • SF: Deni Avdija
  • PF: Toumani Camara / Jeremy Sochan
  • C: Donovan Clingan

With marquee talent scheduled to take the court, both teams will look to close out their exhibition slates on a high note. Tipoff between the Warriors and Trail Blazers is set for 10:00 p.m. ET tonight at Chase Center.

Key takeaways

• Stephen Curry and Ja Morant are expected to suit up for today’s preseason finale.
• The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Ja Morant as their focal point this offseason.
• Tipoff between Golden State and Portland is set for 10:00 p.m. ET tonight.

On Doncic’s side, he is expected to be back on the floor after returning to team practice on Sunday. He did not play in their earlier preseason meeting on October 6, 2026, as the team rested him during a back-to-back set.

Curry is also trending toward notable action against the Lakers. Head coach Steve Kerr stated that Steph Curry will play in the second half, adding that he is hopeful Curry will bump his minutes up and play at least 20 to 22 minutes.

Performance expectations for Curry and Doncic

Fans may be concerned given Stephen Curry‘s runner’s knee status. However, the star guard said on media day in September that his knee has been feeling “great” heading into the season. The issue may be that Curry might not have some of the team’s best players to aid him, including Kristaps Porzingis or an injured Jimmy Butler.

Nevertheless, Curry is among the best not only because of talent, but through work ethic, training, and a commitment to giving his best; if his knee status becomes an issue, he will surely be the first to recognize it and let the staff know.

For the Lakers, it would be encouraging to see Luka Doncic look like his usual self, much like he did in their recent win over the Sacramento Kings when he scored 23 points in just 25 minutes. The same applies to Austin Reaves, who made his preseason debut in that game and understandably looked a little rusty.

The Lakers are 1-6 in their season openers since 2019-20. While that has rarely affected their overall results—typically finding success in spite of the six 0-1 starts—it would be ideal to start the new 2026-27 campaign on a high note. The Lakers and Warriors are also set to square off on Opening Night of the 2026 NBA season on October 21.

Key takeaways

• Luka Doncic is expected to play for the Lakers after returning to practice Sunday.
• Stephen Curry will play in the second half for Golden State, per Steve Kerr.
• October 21 marks Opening Night when the Lakers and Warriors square off again.

Curry, who recently reiterated his commitment to the franchise with a new contract extension, has now given his take on the team’s moves, or lack thereof, over the last few years.

“I mean, I’m not an idiot. I know what it means in the sense of that window we had where coming off of ’22, there were opportunities to get better, add new talent, and some worked out, some didn’t. And the jury is still out on how we end this entire journey with a competitive mindset,” Curry said to NBC Sports Bay Area, via Valentina Martinez of the California Post.

Lack of project ambition in the Warriors’ front office

The Warriors have only made one major move since their 2022 championship: trading for Jimmy Butler, who is currently rehabbing a torn ACL. Instead, the team relies heavily on the development of young stars emerging from within the franchise.

However, there has really been only one case that yielded fruitful results for the franchise, most notably playing an essential role on the 2022 NBA championship team: Jordan Poole.

Poole stands as the last case of a young player with the Warriors breaking out inside the franchise and serving as a key piece in a project that completely exceeded expectations—an example the home office may be trying to latch onto.

What is expected of Curry

Curry will be hoping for better luck on the injury front this year, as he missed over 40 games last season due to a lingering knee issue. Golden State is slated to kick off their season on October 21 with a road game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

Key takeaways

• Stephen Curry addressed Golden State’s lack of offseason moves in an interview.
• Jimmy Butler is currently rehabbing a torn ACL following his trade to Golden State.
• Over 40 games were missed by Stephen Curry last season due to knee issues.

Following a quiet offseason in which general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. addressed why the franchise bypassed blockbuster moves for marquee stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron James, the team finalized a five-year, $110 million contract extension with Podziemski.

The lucrative extension is no fluke. Over the last two seasons, Podziemski has proven his value as a key contributor in Golden State’s ongoing pursuit to return to championship contention and add to its collection of four titles in the Steph Curry era.

To capture another Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Warriors will rely on a mix of youth and proven veteran leadership, surrounding Curry with cornerstone pieces like Draymond Green and versatile roster talent to navigate an increasingly competitive Western Conference.

Why did the Warriors Extend Brandin Podziemski?

Podziemski fit seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s motion offense during his rookie campaign. Unlike many young guards who require heavy ball dominance, Podziemski excels as a connective passer and quick decision-maker, crashing the glass from the guard position and generating high-value possessions.

Leading the NBA in charges drawn as a rookie showcased the high-octane competitive toughness and positional instinct Kerr and his staff rely on, especially in high-stakes Western Conference matchups.

Locking down Podziemski secures a dependable secondary playmaker who can slide into the starting lineup or anchor the second unit alongside veteran facilitators. Extending him reflects an internal consensus: Golden State views him as a foundational piece of its core moving forward rather than merely a trade chip.

Key takeaways

• Golden State extended Brandin Podziemski with a five-year, $110 million contract.
• Podziemski led the NBA in charges drawn as a rookie.
• The Warriors view Podziemski as a foundational core piece moving forward.

For Steph Curry, he is expected to play for the Warriors tonight at home in the Chase Center. Curry logged 10 points in 12 minutes during the Warriors’ preseason opener.

However, Luka Doncic‘s status is doubtful, meaning he is unlikely to suit up on the second night of a back-to-back preseason period. Doncic had 21 points on Monday against the Sacramento Kings.

Steph Curry is entering year 17 with high expectations

Now 37 years old, Curry is entirely focused on “extending his prime” and maintains an inner belief that he can still play at the absolute top of his game to compete for championships. However, while he has high expectations, the Golden State Warriors’ external expectations for the team are actually at a decade-long low.

For over a decade, Curry and the Warriors entered training camp with clear-cut title expectations. However, heading into the 2026–27 NBA season, plenty of analysts are widely predicting Golden State to miss the postseason entirely.

LA Lakers’ Luka Doncic has lots of pressure this year

Luka Doncic enters the 2026 NBA season facing intense pressure as the undisputed franchise centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers following a major organizational and roster overhaul, including parting ways with LeBron James.

With LeBron James no longer on the roster, the weight of carrying the franchise rests squarely on Doncic’s shoulders alongside co-leader Austin Reaves. Public and media expectations remain sky-high for Dončić to deliver an NBA championship to Los Angeles.

Key Takeaways

• Stephen Curry is expected to play for Golden State in tonight’s preseason home opener.
• Luka Dončić remains doubtful on the second night of a back-to-back slate.
• Analysts predict Golden State could miss the postseason entirely entering year 17.