The Golden State Warriors landed in Los Angeles on Saturday aiming to build on their dramatic comeback against the Phoenix Suns. Overcoming a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Warriors secured a 101-97 win despite missing Stephen Curry, showcasing resilience that keeps their playoff aspirations alive even when their star player is sidelined.
The test continues against the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated ABC matchup where the Warriors will once again be without their leading scorer. Curry is out for the third straight game and his 14th this season due to patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee. This condition forced him to exit the previous Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons late in the third quarter, and he remains sidelined as the team struggles to manage his recovery.
Stephen Curry Discusses Healing Progress and Recovery Challenges
Stephen Curry recently provided an update on his rehabilitation during a conversation with ESPN’s Anthony Slater, highlighting a cautious approach ahead. Although his knee is gradually improving, Curry emphasized that both pain and inflammation continue to be obstacles that require steady management to avoid setbacks.
“It’s trending in the right direction,”
Curry said.
“It’s different than last year, but something that will heal.”
The Warriors have maintained Curry’s status as day-to-day, but his return does not appear imminent. He remains in the process of discovering effective rehabilitation strategies, mindful that prematurely resuming play could cause the injury to worsen. This careful balancing act carries importance beyond the current games, as Curry approaches the 65-game threshold necessary for All-NBA eligibility. Missing too many contests could impact his chances of making an All-NBA team for the first time since the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season—a rarity in his career where he has been left out only four times.
Lakers Enter Game Without Superstar Luka Dončić
Golden State will not be the only team missing a key figure on Saturday night. The Los Angeles Lakers are without Luka Dončić, who suffered a hamstring injury during their recent 119-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Dončić exited in the first half after clutching his left leg following a stepback move and did not return for the second half due to soreness, as confirmed by Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
Dončić leads the NBA this season with averages of 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists over 42 games, playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ fifth-place standing in the Western Conference at 31-19. His absence, combined with Curry’s, significantly alters the dynamics of a matchup expected to showcase star power from two historic franchises. Golden State is currently 28-24, sitting four games behind Los Angeles and fighting to improve their positioning and avoid the play-in tournament.
Kristaps Porzingis Remains Out as Warriors Await His Debut
Initially, there was speculation that Kristaps Porzingis could make his debut for the Warriors against the Lakers, but that will not take place on Saturday. Porzingis has been ruled out as the team manages his Achilles tendon issues with a focus on long-term health. The team is exercising caution as they integrate their newest addition, who arrived via trade deadline deal with the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Porzingis hasn’t played since January 7, missing 12 games with left Achilles tendinitis and subsequently being sidelined due to illness on what was expected to be his return game. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed doubts earlier in the week about Porzingis being medically cleared for immediate action. With a history of injury struggles that includes over 100 games missed in the past two and a half seasons, ensuring Porzingis’ sustained availability is a priority.
Other absences for Golden State include Jimmy Butler, who is out for the entire season due to a torn ACL, and Seth Curry, sidelined for 29 consecutive games with a sciatic nerve injury. Brandin Podziemski is listed as probable despite recent illness that limited his playing time.
Implications and Outlook for the Warriors Without Their Stars
The Warriors face a difficult stretch with Stephen Curry sidelined and an uncertain timetable for his return, as runner’s knee often demands a careful recovery to prevent recurrence. Curry’s remarks reveal his understanding of the delicate nature of his condition and the need to avoid rushing back prematurely to prevent possible setbacks.
Following Saturday’s game, Golden State has two more contests before the All-Star break, which might offer the opportunity for additional rest and rehabilitation to aid Curry’s recovery without missing further games. The absence of both Curry and Dončić shifts the national spotlight away from marquee star matchups and toward the depth and contributions of role players. The Warriors demonstrated their capacity to rise in similar circumstances during their recent win over Phoenix.
Porzingis’ eventual appearance is poised to strengthen the team once he is cleared to play, but for now, the Warriors must navigate a competitive Western Conference without their top performers. Maintaining playoff positioning remains critical, and Saturday’s matchup against a Lakers team also missing its star offers Golden State an important chance to continue proving their resilience and ability to contend under pressure.
No Steph tomorrow vs. Lakers. He’s still rehabbing the knee.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) February 6, 2026
