In a development that has sent shockwaves across the NBA community, former Golden State Warriors head coach **Luke Walton**, who managed the franchise for over two years across three seasons, has issued a bold and unexpected message directed at current Warriors head coach **Steve Kerr**.
Now serving as the **Senior Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers**, Walton made headlines during a press conference late Thursday night when he was asked about the Warriors’ recent performance and coaching decisions under Kerr. Walton, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, responded with a cryptic but pointed statement that has fans and analysts scrambling for interpretation.
> “You can only ride on the past for so long. At some point, adjustments need to be made — and I don’t mean minor tweaks. I know that system inside and out. Let’s just say… if I were still there, things would look very different.”
The comments come amidst growing pressure on Steve Kerr, as the Warriors have struggled in the early weeks of the 2025–26 NBA season. With questions surrounding team chemistry, aging stars, and a string of unexpected losses, Walton’s remarks have added fuel to the fire.
Walton’s history with Golden State is a unique one. Although not the official head coach for a full season, he famously stepped in during the 2015–16 campaign when Kerr was sidelined due to health issues. Under Walton’s leadership, the Warriors posted a remarkable 39–4 record during his interim tenure, a key stretch in their record-setting 73–9 season. His contributions earned him significant praise and eventually led to his first full-time head coaching job with the Lakers.
Now back in Los Angeles and at the helm of a revitalized Lakers squad, Walton’s message is being viewed by many as both a challenge and a warning.
### Response from the Warriors Camp
When approached for comment, Coach Steve Kerr responded diplomatically:
> “Luke had a great run with us, and he knows what it takes to win. But every season brings new challenges. I respect his opinion — but we’re focused on our locker room, not on soundbites.”
Warriors fans have taken to social media to voice a mixture of concern and curiosity, with many wondering if Walton’s comments could signal a future return to Golden State or simply reflect his competitive edge.?
The Warriors and Lakers are scheduled to meet in a high-stakes showdown in just three weeks. With tensions running high and egos on the line, that matchup is now one of the most anticipated games of the season — and possibly, the start of a new chapter in the West Coast rivalry.
