Jimmy Butler Update Emerges Before Warriors’ NBA Season-Opener Against Lakers

Jimmy Butler is recovering from an ACL injury as the Golden State Warriors prepare to open their 2026-27 season against the Los Angeles Lakers.

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Oct 16, 2026

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10).

Jimmy Butler is facing a lengthy recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee. The Golden State Warriors forward suffered the injury on Jan. 19 during a regular-season game against his former team, the Miami Heat.

Before going down, Butler was playing some of his best basketball of the season, averaging 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. His absence was a major blow to Golden State, which went 12-26 over its remaining regular-season games, finished 37-45 and was eliminated in the play-in tournament.

With the Warriors set to open the 2026-27 NBA season against the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN’s Anthony Slater provided an update on Butler’s recovery Friday.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10).

According to Slater, Butler could return between January and February 2027, although the Warriors have yet to set a firm date. He has resumed individual on-court work but still has rehabilitation milestones to complete before he can return to full basketball activities.

Butler has remained optimistic throughout the process and is working toward a return to the court.

Head coach Steve Kerr could also benefit from having the six-time All-Star back during the second half of the season, particularly if Golden State looks to strengthen its position ahead of a potential playoff push. The Warriors have not reached the NBA Finals since 2022, and will hope to improve their chances when Butler returns to the lineup.

In the meantime, the Warriors will have to find ways to compete without Butler, with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green expected to lead the way. Golden State opens its regular season against the Lakers on Oct. 21.