The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers renew their long-standing rivalry on Wednesday night, opening their 2025-26 NBA seasons with contrasting storylines — the Warriors seeking another surge under Stephen Curry’s leadership, and the Lakers starting without their injured star LeBron James.
Golden State defeated Los Angeles 123-116 in their last meeting on April 3, 2025, behind 37 points from Curry. The victory gave the Warriors a measure of revenge after losing two of the previous three matchups. That contest also featured standout efforts from Brandin Podziemski, who hit eight three-pointers, and Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who recorded 31 points.
This time, the spotlight shifts toward how each team adjusts after a busy offseason.
LeBron sidelined, Lakers test depth
The Lakers confirmed that LeBron James remains out with a right-side sciatica injury that surfaced during training camp earlier this month. Team officials said he will be re-evaluated in several weeks. The 40-year-old forward missed parts of last season with foot and hip soreness, though he still averaged 25.7 points and 8.3 assists across 70 games.
Without him, coach Darvin Ham is expected to rely on Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura to generate scoring and ball movement. New addition Luka Dončić, acquired in an offseason trade, is also expected to handle a major portion of play-making duties.
“LeBron sets the tone for our team,” Ham told reporters earlier this week. “While he’s out, we’ll look for everyone to raise their level.”
Warriors aim for a sharper start
Golden State enters the new campaign with optimism following a strong preseason and a deeper rotation. Curry, 37, continues to anchor the offense, while head coach Steve Kerr has emphasized defensive consistency after last year’s early playoff exit.
Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins return as key contributors, and the emergence of Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga adds flexibility. The Warriors finished the 2024-25 season with a 47-35 record, good for seventh in the Western Conference.
“Our focus is to build rhythm early,” Kerr said in his pre-game media availability. “We know what kind of challenge the Lakers bring, regardless of who’s available.”
Recent form and rivalry backdrop
The Lakers ended last season at 50-32, earning a fifth-place conference finish. They advanced to the Western Conference semifinals before losing to Denver. The Warriors were eliminated in the first round, prompting speculation about roster changes that ultimately did not materialize.
Over the past decade, the two California franchises have produced several defining games — from postseason battles to regular-season showcases broadcast nationwide. Wednesday’s contest marks another primetime feature on NBC Sports, part of the network’s renewed NBA coverage.
Key matchups and game details
Curry’s duel with the Lakers’ backcourt will draw primary attention. Los Angeles’ defensive scheme, led by Anthony Davis in the paint, will attempt to limit the Warriors’ three-point rhythm. Golden State, in turn, will seek to stretch the floor and exploit transition opportunities.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET) at Crypto.com Arena. Viewers can watch live on NBC Sports and stream through NBA League Pass.
Outlook
Analysts expect a competitive opener despite James’s absence. The Lakers’ younger core has shown improved chemistry, while the Warriors’ veteran lineup remains one of the league’s most experienced.
Golden State holds a 179–170 edge in the all-time regular-season series, though Los Angeles has won three of the last five meetings.
Both sides view the game as a tone-setter for a long Western Conference race. As Curry put it after Tuesday’s practice, “Every season starts with a statement game. Facing the Lakers is always that.”
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