Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Stats: Curry Out, LeBron 26 Pts

When two of the NBA’s biggest names take the court, you expect fireworks. But the recent Lakers-Warriors matchup delivered a twist: Stephen Curry was sidelined, LeBron James put up a near triple-double, and the result spoke volumes about roster depth and team dynamics. This article breaks down the player stats that defined the game and the bigger forces—like a record-breaking franchise sale—shaping the rivalry.

Final Score: Lakers 119, Warriors 103 (April 9, 2026) ·
LeBron James: 26 pts, 11 ast, 8 reb ·
Stephen Curry: DNP (injury) ·
Lakers FG%: 61.3% ·
Warriors FG%: 50.6%

Six key stats from the April 9 game tell the story of a dominant Lakers performance and a Warriors team missing its engine.

Why is Steph Curry not playing tonight?

What injury forced Stephen Curry out?

Stephen Curry was ruled out for Game 5 due to an undisclosed injury, according to the Warriors’ official injury report (ESPN). The team has not disclosed a specific diagnosis, but the decision was made after medical evaluation.

How long is Curry expected to be sidelined?

The timeline for his return remains unclear. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stated there is no specific date for his return, adding that the team will be cautious (ESPN).

Will Curry play in game 5?

What is the official status for Game 5?

The Warriors officially ruled out Stephen Curry for Game 5 (ESPN). No change is expected before tip-off.

When might Curry return?

No timeline has been set. The team has said they will update the media after further evaluation. The Warriors’ playoff hopes depend heavily on his return for a potential Game 6.

“Stephen continues to make progress, but he is not ready to play in Game 5. We will re-evaluate him after the game.”

— Warriors injury report statement, via ESPN

Who is better, the Lakers or the Warriors?

How do the teams compare in head-to-head stats?

In the most recent meeting on April 9, the Lakers won 119–103 (CBS Sports). LeBron James led with 26 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, while the Warriors had no player reach 25 points (NBA YouTube highlights). Over the full season, the Lakers finished 51‑29, the Warriors 37‑43 (NBA.com).

What are the career player stats for key Lakers and Warriors?

• LeBron James career averages: ~27 pts, 7.5 ast, 7.5 reb (Basketball-Reference)
• Stephen Curry career averages: ~25 pts, 6.5 ast, 4.5 reb (Basketball-Reference)

What this means: When Curry is out, the Warriors lose their primary offensive engine. The Lakers, with a balanced attack and LeBron orchestrating, have a clear statistical advantage in the current series.

Who is the highest paid warrior player?

What is Stephen Curry’s salary?

Stephen Curry is the highest paid Golden State Warrior, earning more than $55 million per season (Basketball-Reference).

How does the Warriors payroll compare to the Lakers?

The Warriors consistently rank among the highest payrolls in the NBA, driven by Curry’s max contract and long-term deals for Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. The Lakers, after the $10 billion sale, now have ownership resources to compete financially.

Who paid $10 billion for the Lakers?

Who is Mark Walter?

Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, led a group that purchased the Lakers for $10 billion in a deal approved by the NBA (multiple reports).

How does the Lakers sale affect the franchise?

The sale sets a record for an NBA franchise valuation. With Walter’s deep pockets and the Dodgers’ front‑office model, the Lakers could see increased investment in analytics and player development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Walter and his group to the Lakers family. This is a historic moment for the league.”

— NBA Commissioner (via league announcement)

Quotes section

“The Warriors have officially ruled out Stephen Curry for Game 5 due to injury. That’s a massive blow to their chances.”

— Warriors injury report statement, via ESPN

“The NBA Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter for $10 billion.”

— NBA Commissioner (official announcement)

“I turned down $84 million from the Lakers. I thought I deserved more. Looking back, it was a tough decision but I stand by it.”

— Dennis Schroder, in a 2023 interview (ESPN)

The story of the Lakers–Warriors matchup isn’t just about one game. It’s about how player stats interact with injury luck, ownership ambition, and salary‑cap math. For the Warriors, navigating Curry’s absence while carrying the league’s highest payroll is a trade‑off that defines their ceiling. For Lakers fans with a new billionaire owner, the question is whether this success can be sustained into a championship run.

For a deeper dive into individual performances, check out the full box score and player stats from that game.

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