The Warriors will be in strong hands when the dynastic trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green retire.

That’s because Golden State boasts a growing young core that includes Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, all of whom have showed flashes of greatness in their early NBA careers.

Kuminga, the Warriors’ brightest emerging star, continued to shine in Golden State’s 128-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, scoring 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and 2 of 3 from three.

After the game, Thompson was asked about the young forward’s big game and his efforts to guard Lakers icon LeBron James.

“Jonathan’s been incredible for us,” Thompsons remarked. “He may be the finest athlete in the NBA just because of his ability to rise to the occasion and his speed. He is the franchise’s future, and we need him to lead us to success this season.”

Kuminga has been recognized for his high-flying, savage dunks since his rookie 2021-22 NBA season, but in Year 3, the 21-year-old has elevated his game to a new level and is frequently the team’s second-leading scorer behind Curry.

In 65 games this season, Kuminga has averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 26.1 minutes per game.

As Thompson stated, the Warriors will need Kuminga down the stretch and into the playoffs if Golden State secures a spot, and the explosive kid is prepared to step up.