In a rare display of direct fan engagement, Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob personally responded to an angry email from a supporter just minutes after it was sent. The exchange, which occurred late on Sunday night Pacific Time, highlights the growing frustration surrounding the team's performance and offers a glimpse into the owner's mindset.
A Fan's Frustration Erupts After Blazers Loss
The incident was triggered by the Warriors' 136-131 defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Despite a phenomenal 48-point performance from Stephen Curry, which included 21 points in the fourth quarter, the team squandered the lead and lost the game. This prompted a 27-year-old Panamanian fan named Justin Dutari, who works in the cruise industry, to send an impassioned email to an address he believed belonged to Lacob.
Dutari, who became a fan after seeing Curry play at Oracle Arena in the early 2010s, did not hold back. His email, with the subject line "Please read," pleaded for action. "Dear Joe… Please do something about this Team," he wrote. "What Steph need to do every night to win? Drop 50 points? Team is need a real second option." He specifically pointed to Jimmy Butler's tools being underutilized due to playing out of position and the lack of a true center.
Lacob's Swift and Revealing Response
In a surprising turn, Joe Lacob himself replied to Dutari's email just two minutes after it was sent. The owner's response, confirmed by the Warriors' Senior VP of Communications Raymond Ridder, was brief but loaded with meaning. "You can't be as frustrated as me. I am working on it… It's complicated," Lacob wrote. He cited "Style of play. Coaches desires regarding players. League trends…" before adding, "Jimmy is not the problem… Joe."
While Lacob directly addressed Dutari's point about Jimmy Butler, his mention of "coaches desires regarding players" is seen as a telling reference to the ongoing situation with young forward Jonathan Kuminga. Lacob is known to be a strong supporter of Kuminga, but the player has fallen out of head coach Steve Kerr's rotation again, not playing in the Sunday loss despite a promising season start.
Internal Tensions and Trade Rumblings
The email exchange underscores the palpable tension within the Warriors organization. Lacob is reportedly deeply concerned about the team's current state and has historically not shied away from pushing for changes to maintain championship contention. Coach Steve Kerr, meanwhile, has specific requirements for how players like Kuminga must fit around Curry's game.
The fan's call for a "real second option" and Lacob's acknowledgment that he is "working on it" fuel speculation about potential significant trades. Although the Warriors cannot trade Jonathan Kuminga until January 15, many observers believe a move is inevitable as soon as it becomes possible. The owner's candid reply suggests the front office is actively exploring all avenues to fix the roster's glaring issues and maximize the remaining prime years of Steph Curry's legendary career.
