NBA

Lakers vs. Warriors Preview: Building off a strong start

October 6, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their preseason campaign with a commanding victory over the Sacramento Kings, setting a high bar for their upcoming matchup against the Golden State Warriors. In their first game, the Lakers showcased a lethal offensive punch, draining 20 three-pointers—surpassing their entire regular-season total from last year—and converting 27 forced turnovers into 32 easy points.

While the Kings’ struggles inflated those numbers, the Lakers’ defensive intensity and transition speed stood out, with Ziaire Williams and Matise Thybulle leading the charge in disrupting passes and capitalizing on fast breaks. The team’s improved spacing and shooting under new coach JJ Redick could signal a more dynamic offense this season, though consistency will be key after such an outlier performance.

The Warriors will look to bounce back from their own roster setbacks, including the absence of Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porziņģis, while the Lakers may need to manage their depth after Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and Arthur Kaluma sat out Monday’s win. Luka Dončić, who played the first half of the preseason opener, could also see a reduced role on Tuesday.

With both teams navigating back-to-back games and preseason fatigue, Tuesday’s clash at Chase Center will serve as a critical early test of their respective preparations for the regular season.