As the NBA season approaches, anticipation builds for the opening matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21, 2025. However, an interesting twist regarding the Warriors’ lineup might be on the horizon, particularly concerning veteran center Al Horford.
Recent insights from ESPN’s NBA Insider Shams Charania suggest that the Warriors are considering starting forward Jonathan Kuminga over Horford, who has recently been marked as day-to-day with an injury. This potential shift comes as a surprise, given the Warriors’ enthusiasm for acquiring Horford, who spent seven of the last nine seasons with the Boston Celtics. Known for his versatility and championship experience, Horford was expected to bring significant contributions to the team. Nonetheless, opting for Kuminga as a starter could indicate head coach Steve Kerr’s strategic approach for the season ahead, focusing on optimal player rotations and minutes management.
Kuminga and the Warriors reached a contract agreement in the past few weeks, settling on a two-year, $48.5 million deal instead of a longer, more lucrative three-year option. This arrangement allows Kuminga to retain leverage over his future, with a team option included for the 2025-2026 season. Such a scenario also provides the Warriors the flexibility to explore trade options should his relationship with the team remain strained.
Another consideration impacting this decision is Kerr’s plan to rest Horford during all back-to-back games this season. According to NBC Bay Area Sports’ Dalton Johnson, Kerr stated that he would collaborate with Horford and the Warriors’ Director of Sports Medicine, Rick Celebrini, to assess the schedule weekly. With 15 back-to-back games scheduled throughout the season, managing Horford’s playing time will be crucial, especially considering he had a reduced game load last season in Boston.
Kuminga’s promotion to the starting five follows a standout performance during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played a key role after contributing earlier in the playoffs against the Houston Rockets. Although Horford may not be starting against the Lakers, he is projected to return to the lineup for the Warriors’ upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets.
This strategic decision by the Warriors illuminates both their immediate game plan and long-term vision as they kick off the new season amidst injuries and lineup adjustments.