Warriors Defeat Lakers 119-109 in LeBron-Less NBA Season Opener

The Golden State Warriors opened their NBA season with a 119-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing a dominant third-quarter surge that secured the win. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 31 points and perfect free-throw shooting, while Stephen Curry contributed 23 points, including a crucial late three-pointer, and Jonathan Kuminga added 17 points. The Lakers, missing LeBron James due to sciatica, relied heavily on Luka Doncic’s near triple-double performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, but their poor three-point shooting (25%) hindered their comeback efforts. Austin Reaves supported Doncic with 26 points but the Lakers struggled to close the gap after falling behind by 17 points in the third quarter. Draymond Green’s late three-pointer halted the Lakers’ rally in the fourth quarter, sealing Golden State’s win. The game highlighted the Warriors’ superior outside shooting and balanced scoring, while the Lakers face the challenge of filling LeBron’s absence as they start the season.