Lakers to headline NBA opening night as Warriors visit Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors on October 21, headlining the NBA’s opening night, per Shams Charania. This blockbuster matchup on NBC promises high stakes and star power.

Luka Doncic, fresh off a stunning 31-pound weight loss, leads the Lakers. His transformed physique has fans buzzing about his potential dominance.

The Lakers acquired Doncic in a shocking February 2025 trade with Dallas. Swapping Anthony Davis for the Slovenian superstar shook the NBA landscape.

Last season, the Lakers clinched the Pacific Division but fell to Minnesota in the playoffs. Doncic’s arrival aims to push them deeper in 2025-26.

The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, are coming off a gritty playoff run. They upset Houston in the first round but lost to Minnesota in the semifinals.

The Lakers’ opening night win last season sparked a 3-0 start. They’ll look to repeat that momentum against a Warriors team hungry for redemption.

This opening night also features Houston at Oklahoma City. The Thunder, fresh off their 2025 NBA Finals win, face a rising Rockets squad.