Warriors
After an offseason full of questions about his role — and drawn-out contract talks to match — Jonathan Kuminga wasted no time reminding the Warriors why they’ve stuck with him.
Kuminga looked comfortable and confident in Golden State’s season-opening win over the Lakers, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
The difference wasn’t just in the stat line, but in his approach.
“It was one of my goals coming into this year,” Kuminga said, via The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II. “Just trying to be on the boards, guarding the best players.
“When my shots aren’t falling, find a way to impact the game. Doing the small things that matter.”
His best stretch came in the third quarter, when he poured in 13 points and knocked down three triples.
But his defining moment came late — a massive offensive rebound that led to a Stephen Curry dagger.
“That rebound is what everyone in the world has been waiting to see,” Draymond Green said. “You have that athleticism, you go make big plays. You have superstar potential, you go make big plays.
“When you ask for opportunity, you must deliver. He’s been vocal about his opportunity and he delivered.”
Lakers
No LeBron James, no closing punch.
The Lakers had their moments in Tuesday’s loss to Golden State, but it was clear how much they missed their 40-year-old leader.
Head coach JJ Redick admitted as much afterward.
“I’ll be honest with you, I did have one moment in that first half when we had a few possessions, couldn’t score against the zone, I thought, ‘That’d be great to have LeBron just to throw it to the high post,’” Redick said, via The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
James wasn’t on the court, but he still found a way to lead, helping break down film with the team postgame.
“He’s asking questions, giving his input,” Redick said. “That back-and-forth is so healthy.”
Nuggets
The Nuggets are keeping their young depth intact, picking up 2026-27 team options for Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes, per Altitude Sports’ Katy Winge.
Strawther, the 29th pick in 2023, carved out a rotation role last season and averaged nine points while shooting 43% from the field.
His fourth-year option locks in a $4.8 million salary for next season, making him extension-eligible next summer.
Holmes, meanwhile, missed his rookie year with an Achilles tear but is now fully recovered and expected to debut this week.
His 2026-27 salary of $3.37 million is now guaranteed, and Denver will face another decision on his fourth-year option next fall.
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