When the buzzer sounded at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season opener, the scoreboard read 119-109 in favor of Golden State, but the lingering image belonged to Lakers guard Luka Doncic.
In the absence of the injured LeBron James, Doncic produced a jaw-dropping stat line: 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
Still, it was not enough to deliver a win in his first full season in a Lakers uniform.
James, sidelined by sciatica in his right side and awaiting re-evaluation in three to four weeks, watched from the bench.
His absence loomed large, altering both the Lakers‘ dynamics and the storylines for this marquee matchup.
A promising night cut short by a second-half tilt
From the opening tip at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers made their intention clear. Doncic dominated, interweaving drives, pull-ups, and play-making with the chill of a veteran orchestrator.
Supporting him, Austin Reaves contributed 26 points and nine assists, energizing the bench while the starters found their rhythm.
But the Warriors had answers. Behind the 17-point night of Jimmy Butler, who drilled 16-of-16 free throws, and the steady 23 from Stephen Curry, Golden State turned the tide.
Their small-ball lineup, anchored by Draymond Green at center, sparked a 16-3 third-quarter run that effectively broke the contest open.
Despite Doncic‘s herculean effort, the Lakers‘ bench lacked depth, and the unit struggled to punch through the Warriors’ defensive adjustments. Through fatigue and defensive lapses, the home team fell short.
Opening act for a new chapter without its cornerstone
Entering this season, the Lakers were tasked with navigating life without LeBron in the immediate term.
With James sidelined, the club leaned heavily on Doncic. Having been acquired mid-season in February, this marks his first full campaign in Los Angeles.
Coach JJ Redick instilled a “next man up” mindset, emphasizing that the team would need collective effort and leadership in James‘ absence.
Doncic‘s quote post-game illustrated the mindset: “I just want to play basketball. Do less, do more. Whatever it takes to win.”
The Lakers’ offseason overhaul added the likes of Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Maxi Kleber, but chemistry and coordination remain works in progress.
For one night, Doncic showed he can carry the offensive load. Yet while his individual brilliance shone, the broader institutional adjustments were still catching up.
The Lakers have high aspirations, yet this opener served as a reminder: championship contention will require more than flashes of brilliance. With James out and Doncic now at the helm, the road ahead just got a bit steeper.
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