The Lakers opened the 2025-2026 NBA season with a tough 119 to 109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 21. Both teams came in with a chip on their shoulder with something to prove after a disappointing playoff loss last year.
For the Lakers, this season is all about redemption and chemistry with their new lineup. For the Warriors, they look to show that their veteran core still has enough left in the tank to compete in a tough west.
The game was fast paced from the start. Luka Doncic led the way for the Lakers, scoring 43 points, adding 9 assists and 12 rebounds in the matchup.
Golden State didn’t back down easy.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be a hard game versus them,” said Warriors guard Stephen Curry. “They’re big athletic and when they get going it’s hard to stop them.”
Curry finished the night with 23 points, but the problem was Jimmy Butler who finished with 31 points. The Lakers defense had no answer for him.
The Lakers bench players stepped up and made big plays down the stretch, but it just wasn’t enough.
“Our bench really brought back the energy we needed, but we still came a little short,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “That’s what’s going to make the difference throughout the year, and when the starters play their game, we’ll be pretty hard to beat.”
James–entering his 23rd season–is still hurt, but should be coming back sometime in November. Doncic controlled the pace of the game by finding open teammates. The Lakers just had no answer for the Warriors offense.
As the final buzzer sound went off, the crowd started celebrating.
“We wanted to set the tone for the season,” Curry said. “Every game matters, and it feels good to start off with a win.”
The Lakers (0-1) look to get some momentum as they face the Timberwolves next. The Warriors (1-0) will look to keep the momentum they have and return home to play the Denver Nuggets.
