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Lakers Era Ignites: Dončić Leads Charge Post-LeBron
22 Oct
Summary
- Luka Dončić starred with 28 points in the season opener.
- Walker Kessler had an impressive debut with 26 points.
- Many players from last season are no longer on the roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers initiated their season with a commanding 127-105 home win against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, October 22, 2026. This marks the first season opener since 2017 without LeBron James, ushering in a new era for the team.
Luka Dončić showcased his leadership, dominating the game with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. He appeared particularly motivated, often matched against Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who is in his first year after a successful collegiate career. Dončić's performance suggests he is ready to carry the team forward.
Adding to the Lakers' strong performance, trade acquisition Walker Kessler delivered an exceptional debut. He scored 26 points on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting, including 10 dunks. Dončić was instrumental in setting up five of these dunks, highlighting a promising two-man game.
The Lakers' new defensive strategy proved effective against a short-handed Warriors team. Despite Stephen Curry leading Golden State with 23 points, the team struggled offensively. The game also saw a concerning ankle injury to Lakers player Jake LaRavia during the late stages.
This season represents a significant transformation for the Lakers, with only three players from the previous season seeing minutes in the game. The influx of new talent, including Kessler and Matisse Thybulle, signals a strategic shift towards building around the 27-year-old Dončić.
