In a bombshell that has rocked the NBA world and ignited fierce debate among fans, Golden State Warriors president and owner Joe Lacob has reportedly lost his composure following a devastating 141-127 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors on December 28, 2025.

The defeat not only snapped the Warriors’ hard-earned three-game winning streak across all competitions but exposed glaring deficiencies in execution, defense, and effort during a critical road matchup.

In a stunning post-game declaration, Lacob ordered the immediate removal of three underperforming players from the team’s active lineup for the upcoming games, delivering a scathing statement that has sent shockwaves through the Dub Nation fanbase.

The game at Scotiabank Arena was a thriller turned nightmare for Golden State. Entering on a hot streak with wins over tough opponents, the Warriors appeared poised to dominate a Raptors squad struggling for consistency.

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler carried the load early, but Toronto’s explosive offense—fueled by Scottie Barnes’ historic triple-double (tying the franchise rebound record with 25 boards alongside 23 points and 10 assists)—overwhelmed Golden State’s porous defense.

The Warriors committed a staggering 21 turnovers, leading to 35 Raptors points off mistakes, and collapsed in overtime as Toronto pulled away decisively. Despite Curry’s valiant efforts, the team’s supporting cast faltered badly, allowing the Raptors to assert home dominance in front of a raucous crowd.

Lacob, known for his passionate investment in the franchise and high expectations during the Stephen Curry era, could not contain his frustration in the aftermath.

In a heated statement released through team channels and leaked to media outlets, the Warriors president blasted the lackluster performances, declaring: “They are not worthy of wearing this jersey.

I don’t want to see them on the court anymore…” This rare public outburst from Lacob, who has previously expressed private frustrations via emails to fans, underscores the mounting pressure on a Warriors team sitting at a mediocre record and fighting for playoff positioning in the loaded Western Conference.

The revelation of the three players targeted for removal has sparked outright outrage among fans. According to sources close to the organization, Lacob has mandated that Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga be sidelined indefinitely from the rotation, pending potential roster moves.

These young talents, once viewed as the bridge to the post-Curry future, delivered abysmal showings against the Raptors:

Brandin Podziemski, the sophomore guard expected to provide spark off the bench, went scoreless in limited minutes, missing all shots while contributing multiple turnovers and failing to contain Toronto’s backcourt penetration. His defensive lapses were particularly glaring during the overtime collapse.

Moses Moody, relied upon for perimeter shooting and wing defense, bricked multiple open threes and struggled mightily against RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, posting negative plus-minus numbers that dragged the team down in crucial stretches.

Jonathan Kuminga, the athletic forward with immense potential, looked disengaged throughout, committing costly fouls, turning the ball over in transition, and providing zero impact on the glass against Barnes’ rebounding clinic. His inefficient scoring attempts and lack of hustle epitomized the team’s overall lethargy.

Fans erupted on social media, with #DubNationDivided trending worldwide. Many expressed heartbreak over the potential benching or even trading of these homegrown prospects, arguing that the veterans like Draymond Green (who had a quiet night himself) should share blame for the defensive breakdowns.

Others supported Lacob’s tough stance, pointing to the need for accountability in a season where the Warriors cannot afford to squander Curry’s prime years. “These guys have had chances—it’s time to win now,” one viral post read, while critics lamented, “Lacob is destroying the future for short-term panic.”

The decision comes amid broader roster tensions. Golden State has experimented with various lineups this season, incorporating veterans like Jimmy Butler while trying to develop youth.

However, the Raptors loss highlighted a disconnect: too much reliance on Curry’s heroics, inconsistent effort from the supporting cast, and an inability to match physicality inside. Toronto exploited these weaknesses ruthlessly, with Immanuel Quickley and Barnes dominating in the extra period.

Lacob’s directive forces immediate questions about the Warriors’ next steps. Will these players be demoted to the G-League, traded ahead of the deadline, or simply benched to send a message? Insiders suggest trade talks could accelerate, with Kuminga—long rumored in deals—now a prime candidate to be moved for veteran help.

Podziemski and Moody, both on rookie-scale deals, represent valuable assets but have regressed in key moments this year.

This controversy taps into larger narratives around the Warriors’ dynasty transition. Lacob has invested heavily to keep the team competitive, but the 2025-26 season has been marked by ups and downs, with injuries, chemistry issues, and inconsistent play plaguing the squad.

The owner’s explosive reaction echoes past bold moves that built four championships, but it risks alienating a fanbase already anxious about the Curry window closing.

As the Warriors prepare for their next matchup, all eyes are on head coach Steve Kerr and the front office.

Will Lacob’s ultimatum light a fire under the team, or fracture the locker room further? Social media is ablaze with memes, petitions to “save the young core,” and debates over whether this is genius tough love or overreach.

One thing is certain: this drama has elevated a routine loss into a season-defining saga.

The fallout continues to unfold, with potential press conferences and player responses expected soon. For a franchise synonymous with excellence, this bold purge attempt could either rejuvenate the roster or signal deeper turmoil.

NBA insiders are buzzing—this story dominates headlines, and the basketball world awaits the next chapter in Golden State’s turbulent campaign. Stay locked in; the Warriors’ response could reshape the Western Conference race.