Lakers rout Warriors in season opener as fans chant for Bronny James
Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler powered Los Angeles to a dominant 127-105 victory in their first game since LeBron James left the franchise.
The Los Angeles Lakers opened their new NBA season with a resounding 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, showcasing a revamped roster following a summer of major changes. Playing their first regular-season contest since the departure of longtime leader LeBron James, the Lakers relied on strong performances from Luka Doncic and newly acquired center Walker Kessler to blow out their opponents.
During the offseason, James elected to conclude his tenure in Los Angeles and signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers to pursue another championship. Before deciding on Philadelphia, James had also been heavily pursued by the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry, who met with the veteran forward in June to discuss bringing him to the Bay Area.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity to land James, Curry told reporters that the Warriors genuinely believed they had a chance until the final decision was made. "We took some shots at it... until you hear the final decision, you gotta think you have a shot. I guess a guy like that when you have that ability to go anywhere you want in the league, you find a place that's right for you," Curry said.
Without James on either side, Wednesday's matchup in Los Angeles quickly turned in favor of the home team. Golden State kept things close early behind 16 points from Curry, but momentum shifted when coach Steve Kerr rested the 38-year-old guard late in the first quarter. Although Curry returned in the second period, the Warriors could not regain control as the Lakers pulled away decisively in the third quarter.
Doncic orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finishing the night with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He punctuated the first half by sinking a high-arcing shot from beyond half court at the buzzer. Early in the third quarter, Doncic delivered a behind-the-back pass to Kessler for a dunk, mirroring the flashy style of former Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Kessler enjoyed a stellar debut after arriving from the Utah Jazz, scoring 26 points on a perfect 12-for-12 shooting performance. His stellar play earned high praise from former Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal, who called him the best big man in the league. "I'm happy for you, I'm proud of you. Welcome to the big man alliance," O'Neal told him.
As the Lakers built a lead that reached as high as 35 points in the second half, the atmosphere in the arena shifted toward the home team's remaining younger talent. With most Warriors fans having already left, the crowd began chanting "We want Bronny," directing their attention toward 22-year-old Bronny James, LeBron's son who remains on the Lakers roster.
Answering the fans' calls, Lakers coach JJ Redick subbed the younger James into the game late in the fourth quarter. The crowd erupted into cheers when Bronny James drove into the lane and successfully hit a floater, extending the Lakers' lead to 127-100 and capping off a memorable opening night for Los Angeles.