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Warriors' Steve Kerr Lets Slip Hidden LeBron James Strategy Ahead of Tuesday Game at Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 7:22 PM ET

Key Points:

Steve Kerr and his staff treat LeBron James differently from other opponents
Kerr had words of respect for the new slimmed down Luka Doncic
The Dubs have a big game at LA on Tuesday night

The Golden State Warriors are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night in a marquee matchup to tip off the 2025-26 NBA season.

James is dealing with a sciatica related injury and is unlikely to make his NBA debut until mid-November according to NBA reporter Shams Charania, which will make the Lakers short-handed against their Western Conference rivals.

Heading into the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a surprising Michael Jordan themed admission about James, illustrating the respect he, his coaching staff and players have for the NBA's living legend and all-time leading scorer.

Oct 14, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr questions a referee during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Kerr Shares Hidden Intel on 'LeBron Rules'

Kerr hinted that the Warriors have a set of 'LeBron Rules' for the Lakers' James, similar to the early 90s Detroit Pistons and their famous 'Jordan Rules' to slow down former Bulls great Michael Jordan.

Kerr hinted that the rules are in place to prevent James from doing things that are basically 'unguardable,' something the Pistons, Warriors and other NBA teams know all too well.

"You don't have to go through your 'LeBron rules,' which are the things he does that are basically unguardable," Kerr said Monday on facing LA with James out.

James' playing status for the 2025-26 season was up in the air until recently when the man nicknamed 'King James' decided he would return for another season.

Kerr, Warriors Preparing for Slimmed Down Doncic

Kerr and the Warriors know they must contend with arguably the NBA's biggest offseason story: Lakers guard/forward Luka Doncic and his impressive new slimmed-down physique.

"He looks like he's in good shape, but he's still the same player he's been since the moment he stepped on the court years ago," Kerr said. "Unstoppable force with his pace and strength, the way he shoots the ball behind his head with the step-backs, you can't get out there to challenge the shot," Kerr added.

Lakers-Warriors Tips Off at 10 p.m. ET

The showcase game between LA and Golden State tips off at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena and will pit two of the most explosive three-point shooting teams against each other.

Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy Butler III of the Warriors are expected to play with Moses Moody out due to a calf injury.

The three-point artistry of Stephen Curry and Doncic is expected to be on full display with James likely watching from the bench as two of the West's top franchises do battle on the hardwood.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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