Luka Dončić-led Lakers begin post-LeBron James era with blowout win over Warriors

October 22, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers opened their season with a 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Luka Dončić led the way with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, while repeatedly targeting rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, including a halfcourt shot just before the buzzer to end the first half.

Walker Kessler, acquired via trade, made a strong debut with 26 points on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting performance, recording 10 dunks, the most by any Laker big man since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003. Dončić assisted on five of those dunks, showcasing the chemistry between the two players who signed a four-year, $130 million deal.

The Warriors, missing Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, and Moses Moody, struggled offensively, shooting 27-of-70 from the field. Stephen Curry scored 23 points for Golden State, while Jake LaRavia suffered an ankle injury during garbage time.

The Lakers' roster transformation is significant, with only Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LaRavia remaining from last year's pre-garbage-time rotation. New additions include starters Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Kessler, and bench players Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney, while LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and DeAndre Ayton, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes have departed.