Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers were without the services of LeBron James for Tuesday’s season opener against the Golden State Warriors at home. James, entering his 23rd NBA season, is expected to miss the first three to four weeks due to a sciatica injury affecting his right side.
In LeBron’s absence, Doncic is leading the Lakers from the front in a tight game, which is 55-54 at halftime. He’s on pace to record a triple-double.
In 19 minutes, Doncic went 7-of-13 from the field, hitting 2-of-6 from 3-point range and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out four assists, recorded one steal and one block. He scored 22 points with a +1 plus-minus.
He was well supported by his teammates, especially Austin Reaves, who contributed 12 points in 17 minutes, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line, along with three rebounds and four assists.
On the other end, Jimmy Butler led the Warriors in scoring with 17 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field, going 1-1 from deep. Four-time NBA champion Steph Curry scored 14 points in 16 minutes.
Luka Doncic’s first points in the Lakers’ season opener
Luka Doncic was the first one to get into the scoreboard as he made good on the opening tipoff. He was well contested from the 3-point line, but he created separation with a fade-away jumper to make the basket from mid-range.
LUKA. MAGIC. IS. BACK.
His 1st points in his 1st opening night as a Laker 🪄 pic.twitter.com/uDvfFQpIFO
— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2025
In LeBron James’ absence, Doncic is leading the Lakers pretty fine against a veteran-filled team of Warriors, consisting of stars like Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, who took just six minutes to receive his first technical for the season.
