The Golden State Warriors opened their 2025-26 NBA campaign with a statement victory, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 on Tuesday night at Chase Center. Newly acquired Jimmy Butler scored 31 points in his Warriors debut, while Stephen Curry added 23 as Golden State spoiled Luka Dončić’s impressive 43-point performance in his first season opener with Los Angeles.
The night carried historical significance as well — for the first time in his 23-year NBA career, LeBron James did not suit up for an opener. The league’s all-time leading scorer sat on the Lakers’ bench in street clothes, sidelined with sciatica that’s expected to keep him out until mid-November.
Despite Dončić’s brilliance — 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists — the Lakers fell short once again in an opener, losing their ninth season debut in the last 10 years. The Slovenian star was just 2-of-10 from three-point range, as Golden State’s defense contained the rest of the Lakers’ lineup.
The Warriors broke open a close game with a 19-4 run to start the second half, stretching their lead to as many as 17 points. Jonathan Kuminga provided energy and scoring off the bench with 17 points, while Buddy Hield hit five 3-pointers in his Golden State debut.
Butler, known for his playoff grit, showed he’s ready to bring that same edge to the Bay. He went a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line, including several clutch makes in the final minutes to keep the Lakers at bay. Curry, entering his 17th NBA season, was quieter than usual from beyond the arc, connecting on only three 3-pointers, but his deep dagger in the final minute sealed the win.
The Lakers made a late push behind Austin Reaves, who scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter after battling foul trouble earlier. His scoring burst helped trim Golden State’s lead to 105-99 with five minutes to play. However, the comeback stalled when Draymond Green, who had just eight points and a technical foul while sitting on the bench, buried a clutch 3-pointer with 3:33 remaining to swing momentum back to the Warriors.
For Los Angeles, Deandre Ayton managed 10 points and six rebounds in his Lakers debut, while Marcus Smart added nine. Dončić’s individual dominance wasn’t enough to overcome Golden State’s balanced attack and depth.
Veteran big man Al Horford also made his Warriors debut, hitting a 3-pointer on the first shot of his 19th NBA season and finishing with five points.
The Warriors begin the season 1-0 with championship aspirations once again — and a new star duo already finding chemistry.
Warriors: Host the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Lakers: Return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
