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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 25: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup game at Capital One Arena on November 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
On Saturday evening, the Golden State Warriors will play LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center.
For the game, there had been hope that Kristaps Porzingis would be able to return to action.
However, it’s now been announced that Porzingis (who was questionable) has been ruled out.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote: “Kristaps Porzingis will remain out again tonight vs Lakers. Fourth straight missed game with general illness.”
Kristaps Porzingis will remain out again tonight vs Lakers. Fourth straight missed game with general illness.
NBA Fans React To Kristaps Porzingis News
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 25: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts against the Washington Wizards during an Emirates NBA Cup game at Capital One Arena on November 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Porzingis has played in just one game for the Warriors since getting traded (via the Atlanta Hawks).
In that one game, the 2018 All-Star had 12 points, one rebound, one assist and one block while shooting 5/9 from the field and 2/5 from three-point range in 17 minutes of playing time.
Here’s what fans were saying about the devastating news:
@Ruleyys: “Gotta watch the g league warriors again”
@Vegas_Bill: “The JK saga gets worse. Should have taken the Kings deal. Dunleavy is a worse gm than he was a player which is saying alot”
@WidePlaymakerV3: “Lol a very pointless trade”
@BuddyBook: “Thought he was good to play after the break? Gave up kuminga for this. Generational fumble kerr”
@drecrawford03: “waste of a trade 🙄🤦🏾♂️”
@RABBITNABLIZZRD: “watch Lakers still be in a dogfight with this team tonight”
@CurryMv3Szn: “At this point we should be suprised if he plays lol”
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 23: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts with a bandage on his head against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Porzingis Before The Warriors
In Atlanta, Porzingis had been averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest while shooting 45.7% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range in 17 games.
He was the fourth pick in the 2015 NBA Draft (and has also spent time with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards) over 11 seasons.
If Porzingis (and Steph Curry) can get healthy, they will be a very intriguing team heading into the 2026 NBA playoffs.
During the 2024 Finals, Porzingis had a huge performance in Game 1 (that helped lead them to the title over the Mavs).
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 08: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the final minute of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 08, 2025 in New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 119-117 in overtime. N (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Warriors come into play as the eighth seed with a 31-28 record in 59 games.
They most recently beat the Grizzlies (in Memphis) by a score of 133-112.
After their showdown with the Lakers, the Warriors will play their next game on Monday night when they host the LA Clippers.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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