The Lakers open their season by hosting the Golden State Warriors at home on Wednesday.
Los Angeles has won only two opening-night games in the last 10 years and will look to change that tomorrow.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
When: 7 p.m. PT, Oct 21
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: ESPN
In the last five years, the Lakers have faced the Warriors three times on opening night. At this point, it feels inevitable that these two Pacific Division teams clash on opening night — with or without
LeBron James in the mix.
Speaking of The King, one thing the Lakers didn’t do well during his era was kick off the regular season. During James’ eight-year tenure in Los Angeles, they won only once, that coming in 2024. Will this trend continue now that the Luka Dončić era is in full effect?
In order for the Lakers to do just that, they’re going to have to play sharp and smart basketball right off the bat on Wednesday. As we saw in both preseason losses to the Dubs, they’re a more connected team right now, which makes sense since they barely made noise in free agency, contrary to the Lakers. So look out for them to bank on that with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green leading the way.
What the Lakers should do is capitalize on the Warriors’ injuries. Note that aside from Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody — who have been sidelined since last season — Brandin Podziemski and Kristaps Porziņģis also aren’t suiting up. So while that would probably mean more minutes and touches for Curry and even Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, the Lakers should outperform them on offense. They absolutely can’t get beat by anyone not named Steph from the Warriors.
It would be nice to get a sensational Dončić game right away, because who wouldn’t want that on opening night? Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler can’t afford to be passive or role players. Rebounds will be key for the Lakers because they mean more possessions for a supposedly more offensive-minded team. Ideally, the role players make their shots and their impact is felt in this one. Which one of them will stand out in the season opener?
Remember, a Curry-led team is always worth having appropriate fear for and hopefully that encourages the Lakers to play purposeful basketball from start to finish. There may be 82 games in a season but only one season opener that can help set the tone and begin the year with positive vibes.
Let’s see if the Lakers can secure their first victory on Wednesday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Cameron Carr (right oblique strain) and Adou Thiero (left knee effusion) will start the season sidelined with injuries.
- After missing the whole preseason, Colin Sexton (right soleus strain) is noted as questionable.
- As for the Warriors, Jimmy Butler (ACL recovery), Moses Moody (patellar tendon repair). Brandin Podziemski (bilateral low back soreness), Kristaps Porzingis (not with the team) are listed as out.
- Stephen Curry (right ankle soreness) is expected to play.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
