Dončić Clears Injury, Historic Season Start

The Lakers opened the 2025-26 season with a 119-109 home loss to the Golden State Warriors as LeBron James remained sidelined by sciatica and Luka Dončić scored 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. In the following game Los Angeles beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-110 behind Dončić’s 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, shooting 14-of-23 (5-of-12 3PT) and 16-of-19 from the line. Dončić’s 92 points through two games set a Lakers franchise record and made him the first player in NBA history to begin a season with consecutive games of 40+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists. Austin Reaves (25 points, 11 assists) with contributions from Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton supplied secondary scoring in the win. Dončić had minor groin and hand scares but was cleared to practice and appears healthy; his hot start has sparked early MVP chatter while also sharpening scrutiny about the Lakers’ depth as they head to face Sacramento next.