The NBA tips off this Tuesday in Hollywood as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Both Western Conference powerhouses open another season with championship ambitions, but also enter with questions to answer.
The Lakers enter this game with high expectations after making moves in the offseason to build their roster around star Luka Dončić. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized ball movement and controlling the game in his first season, hoping Dončić’s playmaking can unlock a more balanced offense.
With LeBron James sidelined to start the year due to a sciatica issue, Dončić will hold the leadership early. Redick’s projected opening lineup could potentially be Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Gabe Vincent, which can bring shooting, size and versatility against an eager Warriors team.
Los Angeles will have to unleash Dončić’s offensive mindset while letting Ayton anchor the paint. Ayton’s rebounding and interior presence should fill a major need after the Lakers’ struggles on the glass last season. Meanwhile, Reaves has developed into one of the league’s most efficient secondary playmakers and will be vital in helping Dončić manage the tempo on the court. The challenge? Developing chemistry and defensive consistency without James’ veteran stability.
Golden State begins another season in the Stephen Curry era, but with a slightly new look. The Warriors added Jimmy Butler halfway through last season and brought in veteran Al Horford to replace Kevon Looney. Draymond Green returns healthy after a shortened 2024-25 season, aiming to help a defense that was ranked seventh in the league last season with a defensive rating of 112. The Warriors’ championship core remains intact, but age and durability will be the legitimate concerns. Moses Moody’s calf strain will leave Golden State thin on the wing to start the year.
Tuesday will showcase how Dončić and Curry will perform with their respective rosters. Curry and Dončić, two of the NBA’s most premier offensive players, will both try to dictate the pace and rhythm of the matchup. The Lakers’ size advantage could challenge the Warriors inside, while Golden State’s spacing and veteran experience will test the Lakers’ defensive communication.
The season opener should be tightly contested. The Warriors’ chemistry and familiarity may give them a slight edge early, but the Lakers could potentially find their rhythm later in the game while being at home, with their ceiling potentially being higher once James returns.