Los Angeles Lakers, in their first game of the new season, achieved a decisive victory of 127-105 against Golden State Warriors, thanks to the brilliance of Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler. This victory represents a fresh start for the Lakers, who took the court without their historic star, LeBron James.
Luka Dončić's Key Role
Luka Dončić, the Slovenian star of the Lakers, led the team with 28 points and an outstanding performance. Following LeBron James' transfer to Philadelphia, Dončić was introduced as the undisputed leader of the team. In a major advertisement published in the Los Angeles Times, he urged fans to support the team at the start of the new season and stated, "Tonight we have the start of the championship race." Dončić also responded to the challenges posed by Golden State's newcomer, Jaksel Landborg, with a three-pointer from mid-court in the final moments of the first half.
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Walker Kessler's Brilliant Performance
Walker Kessler, who joined the Lakers from Utah in July, was recognized as one of the best players on the court with his outstanding performance and 26 points. He managed to score 12 out of 12 attempts in his first game for the Lakers and shot 10 times at the opponent's basket. Dončić remarked about Kessler, "What he did today was amazing for us."
In other significant games of the night, Anthony Davis also had an impressive performance in his first game with Washington Wizards after transferring from Dallas, contributing 34 points and 12 rebounds to secure a 128-118 victory over Milwaukee Bucks. In this match, Trae Young also helped his team with 20 points and 13 assists, allowing the Wizards to experience their first victory since 2022.
In Toronto, Kawhi Leonard returned to the Raptors with 23 points and played a key role in the team's 135-92 victory over Chicago Bulls. Leonard, who led the Raptors to the championship in 2019, took the court after a delay in his transfer from Los Angeles Clippers due to a violation of salary cap rules.
Finally, Tyrese Haliburton from Indiana, after his severe injury in the 2025 NBA Finals, contributed 23 points and 12 assists to help his team secure a 123-120 victory over New Orleans. Haliburton spoke emotionally about his return to the court, stating, "Coming back here is very important to me."
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