Warriors Defeat Lakers in Season Opener, LeBron Sits with Sciatica

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 yesterday in both teams’ season opener, despite a 43-point performance from Lakers newcomer Luka Dončić.

Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 31 points, shooting a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line, while Stephen Curry added 23 points. Dončić, in his Lakers debut, scored 43 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, but struggled from three-point range, going 2-for-10. LeBron James missed the game due to sciatica, marking the first time in his 23-year career he’s sat out a season opener; his absence significantly impacts the Lakers’ championship aspirations this season. Jonathan Kuminga contributed 17 points for Golden State, and Austin Reaves scored 26 for the Lakers.

The Warriors pulled ahead with a 19-4 run in the third quarter, building a lead that reached 17 points. While the Lakers mounted a fourth-quarter rally led by Reaves, who scored 13 of his 26 points in the final frame, they couldn’t overcome the deficit. Draymond Green, despite only scoring eight points and receiving an early technical foul, hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game. For more on NBA standings and schedules, visit NBA.com.

In other opening-night action, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets 125-124 in double overtime, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 points. The game was marked by a contentious return to Oklahoma City for Kevin Durant, who faced boos from the crowd after leaving the Thunder in 2016. You can find detailed game recaps and analysis at ESPN’s NBA section.

Officials confirmed after the Thunder-Rockets game that a missed timeout call in the first overtime did not alter the outcome, and both teams will review game footage.