LOS ANGELES – In the 12 years Steve Kerr has coached the Warriors, he always has been aware when one of his rookies makes his first basket in an NBA game. Right away, he makes sure to get the ball from the officials for a special keepsake.

Admittedly, Kerr forgot to do his usual ask for Warriors rookie Will Richard in their 119-109 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena to open the 2025-26 season. But for good reason.

“I told the guys, the reason I forgot is because Will looks like he’s in his seventh year. He doesn’t look like a rookie out there,” Kerr said.

The Warriors eventually tracked the ball down and got it in Richard’s possession forever.

Kerr giving a rookie, a second-round draft pick taken No. 56 overall nonetheless, first-quarter min

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