Getty Image / Ezra Shaw
It’s well-known across the NBA world that Steve Kerr doesn’t like to reveal his lineup for games until he has to.
Well, reporter Shams Charania leaked the Golden State Warriors lineup for Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers well before tip-off.
Here is his initial report from Monday night.
Just in: Golden State Warriors expected starting lineup change in Game 4 vs. Los Angeles Lakers: pic.twitter.com/jKbUc2KaYP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 8, 2023
Clearly, the Warriors were trying to strengthen their perimeter defense within the starting squad against the Lakers.
However, Steve Kerr didn’t seem too happy about it. Soon after Charania made the report, the Warriors’ head coach jabbed the reporter during his pre-game presser.
"It's ok, Shams is in the lineup sharing business."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed @ShamsCharania's report on Gary Payton II starting against the Lakers in Game 4 – although he typically doesn't speak on who he will start pregame.
🎥 @KPIXtvpic.twitter.com/rk4GCdpn19
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 9, 2023
Luckily, Kerr didn’t seem upset about the whole thing. But he definitely got his point across to Charania.
Either way, leaking the lineup isn’t really all that big of a deal. It’s just a way for Steve Kerr and the Warriors to maintain an edge for as long as possible.
If the other team doesn’t know the lineup, then they can’t prepare for the next game properly.
However, the best teams prepare themselves for any scenario. Which might explain why the Lakers currently hold a 3-1 lead over the Warriors.
Game 5 should be a doozy. Los Angeles has the chance to knock out the defending champs. If they can do that, then they’ll be one game closer to the NBA Finals.
Look for Steve Kerr to mess around with the lineup for the next contest as Golden State is in a win-or-go-home situation for the remainder of this series.