The Los Angeles Lakers emerge from under the shadow of LeBron James on Tuesday night when they host the Golden State Warriors on opening night for the official beginning of the Luka Dončić era in Hollywood.
Oct 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers
-
When: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
-
TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Advertisement
The Lakers spent last season transitioning the team from James to Dončić, winning 53 games and a first-round series before being swept away by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Austin Reaves re-signed, and the team brought in Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes signed four-year free-agent deals while the Lakers also brought in Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle.
Golden State brought in Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick, and he looks poised to contribute right away, but the Warriors’ only other offseason addition was veteran role player Georges Niang. The team instead opted to re-sign free agents Draymond Green, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Kristaps Porziņģis as it looks for one more deep run with the now 38-year-old Stephen Curry as the face of the franchise.
The Warriors lost in the play-in tournament after finishing 37-45 and may not have Jimmy Butler or Moses Moody at all this season due to injuries. Los Angeles will score points with Dončić and Reaves, particularly with the rugged Kessler setting screens for them. But while the big man also provides elite rim protection, the perimeter defense could prove to be the Lakers’ downfall, as Dončić and Reaves may concede as many points as they get.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Advertisement
Live stream Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers on Fubo: Start your free trial!
You can live stream NBA games all season long with Fubo, who offer a free trial. They carry all of the channels you will need to never miss your favorite team’s games, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, as well as local team coverage.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.