Just when you thought you had Steve Kerr figured out, he goes and pulls a lineup rabbit out of his coaching hat. With the Warriors set to tip off their 2025-26 season Tuesday night against the Lakers, Kerr has made a decision that’ll have Bay Area group chats buzzing: Jonathan Kuminga is starting.
Why Kuminga Earned His Spot
Let’s talk about what led us here. Kuminga’s journey back to Golden State this offseason was messier than a Stephen Curry no-look pass gone wrong. Contract negotiations dragged on forever, and it seemed like the relationship between the 23-year-old and the front office was hanging by a thread. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed, and Kuminga inked a two-year, $46.8 million deal that kept him in the Bay.
Now, Kerr is betting on the athletic forward to deliver when it matters most. And why wouldn’t he? Kuminga brings something this aging Warriors squad desperately needs: youth, explosiveness, and that ability to get downhill in a hurry. Sure, his jump shot can be streaky, and his decision-making has probably cost Kerr a few gray hairs. But when he’s locked in? The kid is electric.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 47 games (with only 10 starts). Those numbers are solid, but they don’t tell the whole story. When given extended minutes and trust, Kuminga showed flashes of being a legitimate two-way threat. The question has always been consistency—and whether Kerr would allow him to prove he’s more than just a “potential” guy.
What This Means For the Warriors’ Lineup
So what does the starting five actually look like? Kerr is rolling with Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Kuminga, and—wait for it—Draymond Green at center. That’s right, Green is playing the five in a small-ball setup designed to stretch the floor and create chaos on defense.
The surprise move here isn’t just Kuminga starting. It’s that veteran free agent signing Al Horford, the 39-year-old former All-Star big man, will be coming off the bench. That’s a bold statement from Kerr, signaling that this team is prioritizing pace, versatility, and energy over traditional size. Horford still has plenty left in the tank, but asking Green to anchor the defense at center while Kuminga roams as a switchable four? That is a lineup built for modern NBA warfare.
And let’s be real: if you’re the Warriors, you need Kuminga to step up. Curry, Butler, and Green are all 35 or older. This roster isn’t getting any younger, and if Golden State wants another shot at a title, they’ll need their young players, especially Kuminga, to take that next leap.
The Lakers’ Lineup and What To Expect
On the other side, the Lakers are dealing with their own drama. LeBron James is sidelined with sciatica, which means LA will lean heavily on their new superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton. JJ Redick’s starting five will feature Doncic, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Ayton. That is a bunch of offensive firepower, but it’s also a lineup playing up in positions. Vincent and Reaves are both shorter than ideal for their spots, and Doncic will likely spend a good chunk of the night matched up against Podziemski on defense.
For the Warriors, this is a golden opportunity. Without James patrolling the court, the Lakers lose a ton of playmaking, leadership, and defensive versatility. That means Kuminga could feast in transition and exploit mismatches all night long. If he can stay aggressive and smart, this could be the kind of breakout performance that justifies Kerr’s faith.
The Bottom Line
Starting Kuminga isn’t just a lineup tweak—it’s a statement. Kerr is saying, “We believe in you, kid. Now go show us why.” And for a player who spent the summer wondering if his future was in Golden State, this is the ultimate vote of confidence.
Will it work? We’ll know soon enough. But if Kuminga can channel that explosive athleticism, make smart decisions, and play within the flow of Kerr’s system, the Warriors might have just unlocked a new dimension to their offense. And in a Western Conference loaded with talent, that could be the difference between contending and watching the playoffs from home.
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