Warriors face life without their elder core as Curry sits and the preseason rotates through the youth and role players. A 126-116 loss to the Lakers underscored the challenge but also the opportunity for Brandin Podziemski to shine with 23 points as primary facilitator in spots, while Jonathan Kuminga provided multi-faceted scoring and elite transition play. Golden State leaned into a lineup featuring Podziemski, Kuminga, Post and Hield, showing a path for depth and upside as the 2025-26 season looms.

Golden State’s coaching staff emphasized 48 minutes of solid NBA basketball, not just bursts, with Kerr lamenting the need for more consistency. The 21-point comeback fell short, and the Warriors’ turnover bug (20) reappeared, but the performance from the second unit and the continued growth of Young pieces like Podziemski and Kuminga offered tangible fantasy intrigue as Curry and other veterans rest.