E Da Old Tymer

All of the fanfare and spectacle was present last night as the NBA kicked of its 2025-2026 season.  In Downtown, Los Angeles, the stage was set as the Luka Doncic and the Lakers were set for a showdown with the Steph Curry and the visiting Golden State Warriors.  After last year’s shortcomings, both teams are looking to prove that they have what it takes to be the ones to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.  While Luka was nothing short of spectacular, the Warriors fast-paced barrage was just too much as the Warriors downed the Lakers 119-109

Both teams initially showed some off-season rust, as they each dished out nine turnovers in the first quarter.  Fortunately for the Warriors, they were able to find the their groove offensively as well as disrupt the Lakers offense most of the night.  Steph Curry proved a huge thorn in the Lakers side, contributing 23 points and 4 assists while only hitting 3 of 9 three-pointers.  But it was Jimmy Butler who came ready to play, picking apart the Lakers defense for 31 points and 4 assists while hitting 50 percent from the field. 

Luca Doncic did all he could and more to get the Lakers a victory as he flirted with a triple-double, contributing 43 points, 12 rebounds and 9 points in the Lakers home opener.  But if the Lakers are going to be successful this year, he is going to need more help offensively.  Austin Reaves seemed to struggle at times, yet he proved he could be a solid second option as LeBron James nurses his wounds, scoring 26 points and dishing out 9 assists.  Deandre Ayton looked decent in his debut in Laker purple and gold, scoring 10 points and grabbing 6 boards.  But Ayton will need to be more solid defensively if the Lakers are going to have any chance to get to the post season.

While Luka’s magical 43 points was the silver lining in last night’s battle, the Warriors did an excellent job at exposing the lack of depth of the Lakers bench, outscoring them 33-18.  Buddy Hield stifled any Lakers run, knocking down huge three-pointers at key instances.  Gary Payton II contributed 6 points while Al Horford added 5 points and had some key defensive stops.  Meanwhile, the Lakers bench offered a measly effort.  Jack LaRavia did show some potential as he quietly scored 5 points in the sixteen minutes of floor time he had and Marcus Smart is looking to be that defender the Lakers could use down the stretch. 

The 82-game season is still in its infancy.  Coach JJ Redick has a couple of days to tune up the Lakers offense and light a fire under their defense before the Minnesota Timberwolves come to town.  Let’s hope he does. If not, it could turn out to be a very long and disappointing season.