Lakers guard Luka Doncic returns from back tightness and is cleared for Friday’s showdown with Golden State, while forward Ziaire Williams, also sidelined Wednesday, is now officially out with a left‑foot injury. Grimes, who earned a $60 million, four‑year deal, steps up off the bench, dropping 23 points, five assists and four steals in a win over the Clippers. New owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are courting minority investors, eyeing $250‑300 million stakes. Meanwhile, 23‑year‑old big man Lawson Lovering signs a two‑year two‑way contract that could run through 2027‑28 if he stays on the roster.
The Lakers head to Golden State on Friday without forward Ziaire Williams, who is now listed as out with a foot injury after missing the win over the Clippers. Williams, a former No. 10 pick who has been a key scorer and 3‑point shooter for Los Angeles this season (11.3 pts, 46.7% from three), also faced recent NBA fines and a technical foul for alleged flopping. His absence forces coach Darvin Ham to rely on Jake LaRavia in the starting lineup.
The Warriors eye revenge against the Lakers on Oct. 30, 2026, with Luka Dončić cleared to play after missing the opening night clash. Golden State’s only injury concern is Gui Santos, doubtful with left‑knee tendinitis and likely to sit two games. Los Angeles lists Cameron Carr (right oblique strain) and Adou Thiero (left knee) as out, while Ziaire Williams is now out with a foot/heel issue; Walker Kessler is available despite a finger splint. Game tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT on Prime Video.
The Lakers and Warriors clash Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. PT in San Francisco for the NBA Cup West Group C opener (streaming on Prime Video). Los Angeles, fresh off a 127‑105 loss to Golden State, brings back Luka Doncic after a back‑tightness scare; he’s averaging 36.0 points per game and could boost a Lakers squad that is 4‑1 overall. The Warriors, now 2‑3 after a 0‑3 start, still miss key players—Jimmy Butler (right‑knee ACL), Moses Moody (left‑knee patellar tendon) and Kristaps Porzingis (not with the team)—with Gui Santos doubtful. Both teams may also be without a starter: Lakers’ Ziaire Williams is questionable, and Warriors’ Santos is day‑to‑day. The matchup promises high drama after a 51‑point combined effort by Doncic and Austin Reaves in the opener.
Luka Doncic launches the 2026‑27 NBA season with a staggering 36.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, cementing his early MVP candidacy. Yet Max Kellerman, a frequent guest on Rich Paul’s Game Over podcast, lambasts Doncian’s post‑whistle habits, claiming his constant referee complaints let him shirk defensive effort and leave Dallas shorthanded in transition. Kellerman points to recent incidents, including a heated exchange with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and a $50,000 fine in March 2026 for insinuating referee bias. While the criticism doesn’t threaten his MVP odds against Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, it adds a new defensive‑effort dimension to the debate.
Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May praises newly‑signed center Daniel Gafford, who started the season strong after a $54.4 million extension and even hit his first career three‑pointer in a win over Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, Spurs veteran Tobias Harris continues rehab from a calf strain, Suns big man Oso Ighodaro is questionable with an oblique strain, Grizzlies forward Quinten Post left a game with an ankle injury after posting 7.6 points per game, and a side‑by‑side look compares Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg with Timberwolves forward Jonathan Kuminga, both 24. The roundup covers key health updates and early performances across the Western Conference.
The Golden State Warriors needed Brandin Podziemski to be effective with the ball in his hands this season. He's accomplished that and then some.
The Wizards debut No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa after a four‑game ankle injury, dropping 19 points on 8‑of‑12 shooting in a 112‑104 loss to Cleveland and impressing coach Brian Keefe with his offense and defense against James Harden. Meanwhile, Rockets guard‑coach Fred VanVleet praises Houston’s early-season chemistry after a fifth straight win, noting training camp energy and a potential 2027‑28 option on Reed Sheppard. Across the league, Warriors star Stephen Curry evaluates rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s “full‑package” skill set after Lendeborg posts 31‑12‑6 vs. Denver and 26 points at Minnesota, while Curry himself erupts for 44 points in Wednesday’s win.
Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick and three‑time All‑Star, says he’ll return to the NBA “better than I was before” after an Achilles tear that likely sidelines him for the 2026‑27 season. The 30‑year‑old, who hasn’t played since April 2025, praised the Sacramento Kings for supporting his rehab, noting visits from Zach LaVine and teammates. Despite interest from the Warriors, Timberwolves and Knicks, only the Kings offered a contract after watching him work out in Miami. Simmons told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears he’s committed to surgery, rehab and a dominant comeback, emphasizing his mindset and the organization’s backing.
Jonathan Kuminga sparks a showdown with his former Warriors staff during Minnesota's 119-114 loss to Golden State on Oct. 30, 2026. The forward posts a season‑high 20 points, five assists and two steals, but the real drama unfolds as he trades barbs with ex‑development coach Anthony Vereen, calling him "one of my brothers." Meanwhile, Stephen Curry erupts for 44 points and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg adds 26. With Anthony Edwards out for two months, Kuminga’s role expands as he averages 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2 steals per game for the Timberwolves.
With Halloween just around the corner, Golden State fans are already planning quirky costumes inspired by the Warriors. Expect to see a “Yaxel Lendeborg Borg” mash‑up with a red‑penlight eyepiece, a minimalist “Darth Splash” look mirroring Steph Curry’s Met Gala outfit, and easy Steve Kerr replicas featuring blond, spiked hair and workout gear. Draymond Green’s 216 technical fouls inspire a whistle‑laden ensemble, while many will simply sport Warriors or Valkyries jerseys after the WNBA Finals Game 7. The article previews where each costume might appear, from nerd parties to rooftop venues.
A man who closely resembles Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has shared an unusual encounter with tennis legend Roger Federer, who apparently mistook him for the four-time NBA championship-winning coach.
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A blockbuster trade proposal would send Zion Williamson to the Warriors in exchange for Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis.
Ahead of the Warriors’ Oct. 30 showdown with Minnesota, coach Steve Kerr stresses that rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga are not comparable. Kerr notes Lendeborg’s rapid rise in Golden State’s rotation, thanks to injury‑created minutes, while Kuminga, now with the Timberwolves, struggled to find a role during the Warriors’ championship run. The coach wishes Kuminga well, recalling his stint in Atlanta, and highlights the different developmental paths of both 2023 lottery picks.
The Kristaps Porzingis situation just keeps getting weirder and weirder for the Golden State Warriors, who now may be forced to make a tough decision.
Having already garnered as much attention for things he says as his play on the court, Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has no intention of changing his approach.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he’s rejecting media training to keep his outspoken, honest personality. The 24‑year‑old, the No. 11 pick of the 2026 draft, told The San Francisco Chronicle he’ll stay “true to myself” despite criticism for earlier remarks about Lakers star Luka Doncic. As the Warriors (2‑3) host the Lakers (4‑1) in their NBA Cup opener on Friday at 7 p.m. PT, Lendeborg’s candid style adds intrigue to the matchup and signals he won’t temper his comments for controversy.
Bill Simmons says Josh Kushner is $5‑6 billion short of the $12.5 billion price to buy the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter, and former Disney CEO Bob Iger is only contributing a minimum $63 million. Simmons, on his podcast, claims Kushner is still hunting for additional investors, which could delay the ownership transfer that was agreed in August after Walter’s surprise sale. The allegations are unverified by Kushner or the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Lakers (4‑1) gear up for their first NBA Cup game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday at 7 p.m. PT on Prime Video.
After missing the entire 2025‑26 season, former All‑Star Ben Simmons tries to prove he’s still NBA‑ready. In a preseason showdown, Simmons confronted Warriors coach Steve Kerr, asking “Y’all didn’t want me?” Kerr replied he was unsure about Simmons’s health. Simmons later told Stephen Curry he’s ready to play. Though Golden State showed interest, Simmons signed a $3.5 million guarantee with the Sacramento Kings, who later released him following a torn Achilles that ended his 2026‑27 season. In his final preseason game he posted 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists against the Spurs, sparking discussion about his comeback.
Yaxel Lendeborg's rise at the Golden State Warriors suddenly makes LeBron James' rejection of the franchise in free agency far less painful.
Yaxel Lendeborg, the Warriors' #1 pick, attends the October 24 game versus the Phoenix Suns and joins NBA & Take‑Two’s Rookie Dinner, where veterans Drew Gooden and Aaron Gordon share advice on rookie life, hustle and humility. Lendeborg discusses his mom’s cancer battle driving his charitable work and reflects on staying grounded amid fame. Hip‑hop icons Mistah F.A.B. and Too $hort chime in, urging authenticity and community focus. The piece highlights his growing buzz, including fans sporting his jersey 376 miles from the Chase Center, as the Warriors prepare for a rematch later that night.
During the Warriors‑Grizzlies game on Oct. 24, a heated exchange erupted after Draymond Green clashed with rookie center Zach Edey. A lip‑reading video released by LegendZ shows Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg hurling a NSFW insult—“You’re just tall, n****! On my momma, you got no hands”—at Edey, accusing him of poor ball handling. The scuffle, which began with a foul on Ty Jerome and escalated near the basket, led to double technical fouls for Jerome and Lendeborg. Lendeborg, previously noted for trash talk toward Luka Doncic, has been urged by Green to play more aggressively.
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says Draymond Green berated him during Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, urging the 22‑year‑old to drive “into somebody’s f—ing chest” after a turnover. Lendeborg took the advice, attacking former teammate Jonathan Kuminga for a key play, and finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven turnovers in his fifth NBA appearance. He admits he played too soft against Minnesota’s physical defense but credits Green’s tough love for helping him adapt as the Warriors cope with injuries.
Draymond Green's performances over the last two games are reminding the Golden State Warriors of what they need in a Kristaps Porzingis trade.
After Anthony Edwards’ knee surgery sidelines him for two months, the Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a second straight game, this time to the Golden State Warriors. LaVar Ball seized the moment, blasting coach Chris Finch on X and urging the team to “run the gun,” take more shots and double‑team Stephen Curry. He claimed the Wolves’ 45 three‑point attempts (10 more than the Warriors) should have secured a win, despite guard LaMelo Ball’s modest 8 points, 2‑of‑8 from deep and six turnovers. Finch’s rotation decisions, including bringing LaMelo back early in the fourth quarter, are defended, but the loss highlights Minnesota’s struggle to convert volume into points while searching for a new offensive identity without Edwards.