LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, Stephen Curry added 23, and the Golden State Warriors held off a stunning 43-point performance from Luka Doncic to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 119–109 on Tuesday night, spoiling the Lakers’ home opener at Crypto.com Arena.
It was a night full of anticipation and storylines — from LeBron James missing the first season opener of his 23-year career to Doncic’s much-anticipated debut in purple and gold. But ultimately, it was the Warriors’ balance and composure that proved decisive.
LeBron Sidelined, Doncic Shines in Debut
For the first time since entering the NBA in 2003, LeBron James watched a season opener from the sidelines. The league’s all-time leading scorer is recovering from a sciatica flare-up that the Lakers expect will keep him out until mid-November. Without him, all eyes were on Luka Doncic — and he did not disappoint.
Doncic delivered a monster stat line of 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, nearly leading the Lakers to a comeback on his own. It marked the 47th 40-point game of his career and his third since joining Los Angeles. Still, his long-range shooting fell short; he hit only two of ten attempts from deep, and the Lakers’ offense sputtered when he wasn’t touching the ball.
Despite Doncic’s heroics, the Lakers dropped their ninth season opener in the last ten years, a trend that continues to frustrate both fans and management. The loss also extended Golden State’s dominance in recent matchups against Los Angeles, with the Warriors winning four of their last five meetings.
Warriors Show Depth and Discipline
Golden State’s offense wasn’t all about Stephen Curry this time. The two-time MVP was steady but not spectacular, scoring 23 points on an efficient mix of drives, pull-ups, and three-pointers — just three of which came from beyond the arc. In the fourth quarter, he was quiet until a clutch three in the final minute sealed the win.
Jimmy Butler, in his first season opener with the Warriors, stole the spotlight. The veteran forward was unstoppable from the free-throw line, making all 16 of his attempts and attacking the Lakers’ defense relentlessly. His physicality and leadership seemed to set the tone early as Golden State outscored the Lakers 32–21 in the third quarter.
Jonathan Kuminga also made his presence felt with 17 points, showcasing the athleticism and energy that make him such a valuable piece off the bench. Meanwhile, newly acquired sharpshooter Buddy Hield hit five three-pointers, giving the Warriors’ second unit a huge boost.
Golden State started the second half with a blistering 19–4 run, building a 17-point cushion that the Lakers could never fully erase. When Austin Reaves caught fire late — scoring 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter — the Warriors stayed composed. Draymond Green, who had just eight points and an early technical foul while sitting on the bench, silenced the crowd with a dagger three-pointer with 3:33 remaining to halt the Lakers’ momentum.
Lakers Still Searching for Chemistry
The Lakers entered the season with renewed hope after acquiring Doncic and center Deandre Ayton in the offseason, but Tuesday’s opener revealed a team still learning how to play together. Ayton posted 10 points and six rebounds in his Lakers debut, while Marcus Smart contributed nine points and his trademark hustle on defense.
Reaves, who has emerged as a reliable scorer over the past two seasons, found his rhythm too late to make a real difference. Still, his aggressive fourth-quarter play offered a glimpse of what this team could be once LeBron returns and the chemistry solidifies.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham praised Doncic’s performance but acknowledged that the team needs to do a better job defensively and avoid stagnant possessions. “We’ve got to help Luka more,” Ham said postgame. “He can’t do it alone. We had good stretches, but the Warriors made us pay every time we broke down.”
Veterans Step Up for Golden State
For the Warriors, the win was about more than just a strong performance — it was a reminder of their experience and depth. Veteran big man Al Horford, playing his first game with Golden State and entering his 19th NBA season, hit a three-pointer on his very first shot of the game. His presence provided calm and spacing for the Warriors’ smaller lineups.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised Butler’s leadership and Curry’s poise. “Jimmy set the tone with his aggression,” Kerr said. “Steph didn’t need to take over tonight — that’s the beauty of this group. We have multiple guys who can win us games.”