The Los Angeles Lakers began their 2026-27 NBA regular season with an impressive 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Doncic delivered a standout performance in his first season opener as the Lakers’ leading star, while centre Walker Kessler produced a historic debut that helped Los Angeles dominate the contest.
With LeBron James now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers are entering a new chapter built around Doncic. The Slovenian superstar embraced his leadership role before tip-off, thanking the fans and expressing his excitement about the season ahead.
“It’s the start of something new. It’s going to be a special season,” Doncic told the Lakers faithful.
His performance on the court quickly reinforced that message as Los Angeles controlled the game and secured a convincing opening-night win.
Luka Doncic Leads the Lakers’ Offence
Doncic finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, providing the Lakers with scoring, playmaking and leadership throughout the game. Although he recorded six turnovers, his offensive impact helped Los Angeles establish control against Golden State.
The game also featured a heated exchange between Doncic and Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg during the second quarter. The two players exchanged words after a foul, and the confrontation continued as they approached their respective benches.
Lendeborg was eventually assessed a technical foul, allowing Doncic to convert the resulting free throw. The Lakers star then made a long-range three-pointer from near half-court, pointing towards the rookie after the shot went through the basket.
After the game, Lendeborg criticised Doncic’s repeated complaints to officials, saying the exchanges had affected his respect for the veteran star. Their confrontation added an extra layer of intensity to an otherwise one-sided contest.
Despite the tension, Doncic remained focused on helping Los Angeles secure the win and establish a positive start to the season.
Walker Kessler Makes History With Perfect Shooting
The biggest statistical story of the night belonged to Walker Kessler, who delivered a remarkable performance in his Lakers debut.
Kessler scored 26 points, collected nine rebounds and recorded two blocks while making all 12 of his field-goal attempts. His dominant finishing around the basket gave the Warriors significant problems, with ten of his successful field goals coming from dunks.
According to the reported game statistics, Kessler became the first player in Lakers history to score at least 20 points on 10-for-10 or better shooting in his team debut. He also set a reported NBA record for points scored without a missed field goal in a team debut during the shot-clock era, surpassing Bob Greacen’s previous mark of 18 points in 1969.
Kessler benefited from Doncic’s excellent court vision, repeatedly receiving passes near the basket for easy finishes.
The centre expressed gratitude to his teammates after the game, explaining that their ability to recognise his height advantage and deliver the ball in the right positions made his transition easier.
His performance provided Los Angeles with an encouraging sign of the impact its frontcourt can have this season.
Austin Reaves Adds Important Scoring Support
Austin Reaves also contributed significantly to the Lakers’ victory, finishing with 23 points and six assists. His offensive production helped Los Angeles maintain its advantage while Doncic orchestrated the attack.
The Lakers scored efficiently throughout the contest, using their size, movement and ability to finish near the rim to put pressure on Golden State’s defence.
Los Angeles also generated 21 fast-break points and 15 second-chance points, taking advantage of defensive breakdowns and opportunities around the basket.
Jake LaRavia suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter and was escorted to the locker room, providing a concern for the Lakers despite their comfortable victory.
Collin Sexton missed the game with a right soleus strain, while second-year forward Adou Thiero was unavailable because of swelling in his left knee. Rookie Cameron Carr also missed the opener with a right oblique strain.
Stephen Curry Shines Despite Warriors’ Defeat
Stephen Curry led the Warriors’ offence with 23 points, including 16 of Golden State’s first 21 points. His early shooting helped the visitors remain competitive during the opening quarter.
Curry also continued to demonstrate his chemistry with Draymond Green, who contributed eight assists. Golden State initially moved the ball effectively, recording 10 assists against just one turnover during the first quarter.
However, the Warriors struggled to maintain that efficiency as the game progressed. They finished shooting 37 of 91 from the field, including just eight of 36 attempts from three-point range, and committed 16 turnovers.
Those mistakes proved costly against a Lakers team that consistently converted defensive stops into scoring opportunities.
Golden State also struggled to contain Kessler inside. With Kristaps Porzingis unavailable and backup centre Charles Bassey sidelined by knee tendinitis, the Warriors lacked a reliable answer to Los Angeles’ size advantage.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg showed confidence and competitiveness during his NBA debut, but the Lakers repeatedly exposed defensive weaknesses around the basket.
A New Era Begins for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ opening-night victory offered an encouraging glimpse of their future with Doncic leading the franchise following James’ departure to Philadelphia.
Doncic’s scoring and playmaking, Kessler’s historic debut and Reaves’ contribution gave Los Angeles several reasons for optimism. The team’s ability to exploit its size advantage and generate easy baskets could become a significant strength during the season.
Golden State, meanwhile, will need to improve its three-point shooting, reduce turnovers and find ways to remain effective when Curry is off the floor.
Although it is only the first game of the regular season, the Lakers have made a strong early statement with their 127-105 win. With Doncic taking centre stage and Kessler immediately making an impact, Los Angeles will look to build on the performance as the 2026-27 NBA season continues.
