Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Sets Record Straight on Kristaps Porzingis Health Rumors
In a significant revelation ahead of the highly anticipated NBA matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 28, head coach Steve Kerr has addressed and debunked widespread rumors concerning the health of recent acquisition Kristaps Porzingis. The versatile big man's extended absences from games had fueled speculation about a serious medical condition, but Kerr's statements provide crucial clarification.
Dismissing the POTS Diagnosis as Misinformation
Reports had circulated that Porzingis was suffering from postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition characterized by increased heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue when changing positions. However, during an appearance on the Bay Area radio show Willard and Dubs, Kerr revealed he investigated these claims directly.
"When I heard about the trade, I read about his POTS diagnosis and then called Onsi Saleh, who was with us, he's now Atlanta's GM and he's a good friend of mine," Kerr explained. "I called him and I said, 'is this POTS story real?' And he said it's actually not POTS. It was not POTS.' So that was some misinformation that was out there."
This confirmation from Atlanta Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh, who was previously with the Warriors organization, directly contradicts the circulating narratives about Porzingis's health status.
Clarifying the Actual Reason for Absences
Kerr further elaborated that Porzingis's recent illness was unrelated to any previous health concerns during his time with the Hawks. "I don't know if anybody's asked him about it, but bottom line is whatever was bothering him in Atlanta that was keeping him out had nothing to do with the illness last week," the coach stated.
He attributed the player's absence to a common sickness, noting "He was just sick. There's a lot going around as you guys know and he was sick enough where he was losing a lot of fluid and contagious so we just kept him home, but he's doing a lot better now."
Porzingis's Game Status and Performance Context
Kristaps Porzingis missed a total of 18 games during the 2025-2026 NBA season, with 17 absences occurring while he played for the Atlanta Hawks and one since joining the Golden State Warriors. His current status for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers remains questionable, raising concerns among fans about his availability for this crucial Western Conference clash.
In his most recent appearance on the court against the Boston Celtics, Porzingis contributed 12 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound during 17 minutes of play. For the season, he is averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, demonstrating his value as a significant addition to the Warriors' roster.
Looking Ahead to the Lakers Matchup
As the Warriors prepare to face their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, the health and availability of Kristaps Porzingis will be a key factor in the team's strategy. Coach Kerr's clarification not only dispels misinformation but also provides transparency about the player's condition as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
The upcoming game promises to be a compelling contest, with Porzingis's potential participation adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes matchup between two of the NBA's most prominent franchises.
