Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr attempted to lower the temperature surrounding a leaked email exchange between owner Joe Lacob and a frustrated fan, even as pressure continues to build on a team struggling to find consistency early in the season.
“Not a big deal,” Kerr told reporters after Tuesday’s practice, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
The comments came after a screenshot of a private email conversation between Lacob and a fan circulated online, sparking debate about the Warriors’ roster construction, coaching decisions and the future of an underperforming core.
Inside the Joe Lacob–Fan Email That Sparked Debate
According to a screenshot and a report from NBC Sports Bay Area, the exchange began with a fan voicing deep frustration over Golden State’s roster and usage of veteran forward Jimmy Butler.
“Please do something about this team,” the fan wrote. “What does Steph [Curry] need to do every night to win? Drop 50 points? Team is in need of a real second option… We have no true center. I am so frustrated.”
Lacob responded candidly.
“You can’t be as frustrated as me,” Lacob wrote. “I am working on it. It’s complicated. Style of play. Coaches desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy is not the problem.”
The blunt nature of Lacob’s reply — and its eventual public exposure — fueled speculation about internal tension within the organization.
Kerr Defends Lacob, Condemns Leak of Private Emails
GettyHead coach Steve Kerr (L) and governor Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors look on during a game between the Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs during the 2022 NBA Summer League
While Kerr acknowledged the frustration felt throughout the organization, he sharply criticized the public release of what he described as a private exchange.
“I hate when people are going to post private emails like that,” Kerr said. “Imagine if everyone’s emails were just publicly posted. How tough that would be to live our lives.”
Kerr emphasized that his relationship with Lacob remains strong.
“Joe supports me 100%. I support him,” Kerr said. “We have a great connection, and we’ve had so much continuity here, in our stable environment, in our organization — which is one of our strengths.”
Jimmy Butler’s December Struggles Add to Warriors’ Issues
The email controversy comes at a time when Golden State’s on-court issues are becoming harder to ignore.
Butler, 36, has struggled to find his rhythm in December, averaging just 14.0 points per game on 41% shooting while taking only 9.8 shots per contest. His dip in production has coincided with questions about his role in Kerr’s system and the team’s lack of size in the frontcourt.
In Sunday’s 136-131 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers , Butler went just 3-for-11 from the field and finished with 16 points.
Stephen Curry Shines, But Warriors Continue to Slip
Despite the turbulence, Stephen Curry has been nothing short of spectacular since returning from a quad injury.
Curry scored 48 points in Sunday’s loss, which came after his 39-point return in a 127-120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves . In the Portland loss, Curry also surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games by a player over the age of 30.
Still, the performances have not translated to wins.
Golden State has dropped consecutive games since Curry’s return and sits eighth in the crowded Western Conference at 13-14 — a precarious position for a team with championship aspirations.
Kerr Admits Struggles as Warriors Search for Answers
Following the loss to Portland, Kerr offered an unusually blunt self-assessment.
“I’m not doing my job well this year,” Kerr said .
The Warriors have lost four games in the past 12 days to the Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder , further intensifying scrutiny on Kerr and the roster.
Turnovers, Defense Remain Warriors’ Biggest Red Flags
Golden State’s problems extend beyond scoring balance.
Even with Draymond Green back from a right foot sprain and personal reasons, the Warriors committed 18 turnovers against Portland, leading directly to 24 points for the Blazers. Turnovers have consistently undermined the Warriors’ defensive efforts and transition offense.
To their credit, the Warriors have faced one of the NBA’s toughest early-season schedules, ranking among the top 10 in strength of schedule across multiple tracking sites. Still, the margin for error is shrinking quickly.
Warriors Face Urgent Need to Regain Momentum
With expectations elevated following Green’s preseason declaration that Golden State would contend for a championship, patience around the organization is wearing thin.
Kerr may dismiss the leaked email as “not a big deal,” but the frustrations it revealed are real — and growing. As the standings tighten and losses mount, the Warriors must turn candid conversations into tangible results before the season slips further out of reach.
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