Gui Santos Scores 12 Points in Warriors' Season-Opening Loss to Lakers

Forward Gui Santos opened the 2026/27 NBA regular season in the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors, contributing 12 points, five rebounds, and one steal in 25 minutes of action. However, the Warriors suffered a 127-105 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Playing in his fourth season with Golden State after being selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, Santos shot 5-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-3 from beyond the arc, and made one of his two free throw attempts. While he provided respectable scoring and rebounding in his expanded opening-night role, his offensive involvement remained somewhat limited as the game slipped away from the Warriors by the end of the third quarter.

Golden State head coach Steve Kerr leaned toward a starting lineup featuring Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green as the team navigates early frontcourt roster challenges. The absence of several key contributors created an immediate opportunity for Santos to secure consistent minutes in the rotation.

The Warriors enter the early months of the campaign without several players due to injuries and illnesses, including Jimmy Butler, who is sidelined until early 2027 with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. Moses Moody and Kristaps Porziņģis are also unavailable, forcing Golden State to utilize a flexible lineup while relying heavily on veteran leader Stephen Curry, who scored 16 points in the opener.

On the opposing side, the Lakers debuted a new look following the departure of LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, punctuating the first half with a buzzer-beating shot from midcourt after a brief exchange of taunts with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.

Doncic received strong offensive support from newly acquired center Walker Kessler, who finished with 26 points while converting all of his field goal attempts. Los Angeles controlled the contest from the start, leaving Golden State to reflect on the adjustments needed for their frontcourt rotation.

For Santos, the ongoing absence of key teammates provides a clear window to establish regular production and solidify a permanent spot in Kerr's rotation. The Warriors will look to rebound as they continue the early portion of the 2026/27 regular season.