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- The Lakers vs. Warriors Prediction NBA 25/26 oper match will be played at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday morning.
- Kickoff is at 5.00am EAT.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) 2025/26 season is set to tip off on Wednesday morning, with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in a Western Conference matchup.
The Lakers will be launching their campaign for an 18th franchise title without LeBron James. For the first time in an opening match in his 23-year career, the 40-year-old will be sidelined after sustaining a sciatica injury.
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With LeBron off the floor, Coach JJ Redick must now turn to his offensive schemes to ensure Luka Doncic is the primary engine of their success on Wednesday.
Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in the 2024/25 season. The pressing question is whether Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves can provide him with enough offensive support, while others step up defensively.
This will be a key test against a Warriors team that also features a legend in its lineup.
Golden State has another season with Steph Curry, though LeBron’s absence will make their Pacific Division rivalry feel incomplete, given the storied history between the two superstars.
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The 37-year-old Curry averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists last season, remaining a shooting virtuoso with 44.8% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.
This new season could spark a fresh rivalry between last year’s high-profile trade acquisition, Doncic, and the Warriors’ Jimmy Butler.
Both will be crucial to their teams’ efforts to start the season on a high note, though the spotlight and pressure will shine brightest on Doncic.
Last season, the Lakers reached the playoffs but were swiftly overpowered by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games during the first round, so they will be eager to surpass that performance this year.
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The Warriors met a similar fate, being eliminated by the Timberwolves in a five-game Conference semifinal thriller.
They notably missed Steph Curry for the final four games, a factor that likely contributed to their exit. Despite minimal changes to their roster, they will be coming into this season fully motivated.
Here are the key details for the Lakers vs. Warriors NBA 25/26 season opener:
What time does the Lakers vs Warriors match kick off?
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, October 22, at Crypto.com Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 AM EAT.
Lakers vs Warriors Team News
Anthony Melton will remain sidelined for the visitors until late October as he recovers from a knee injury, while Moses Moody is undoubtedly out for the opener with a calf issue.
Alex Toohey (undisclosed) sat out the preseason finale against the Clippers. Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) also missed that game, and Jimmy Butler (ankle) was ruled out but is expected to return by Tuesday.
It is clear that LeBron James will not be available for the Lakers’ opener; his return is projected for mid-November as he recovers from sciatica.
Adou Thiero will also be unavailable due to a knee injury. Chris Manon (ankle) was sidelined for the preseason but could return for the regular season, while Jaxson Hayes (wrist) exited the preseason finale early. Bronny James (ankle) also sat out.
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What are the probable starting lineups for Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors?
- Warriors: Stephen Curry (PG), Buddy Hield (SG) / Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler (SF), Jonathan Kuminga (PF), Al Horford (C)
- Lakers: Luka Doncic (PG), Austin Reaves (SG), Rui Hachimura (SF), Jarred Vanderbilt (PF), Deandre Ayton (C)
Lakers vs Warriors head-to-head record and current meetings
The Lakers and Warriors have faced off 63 times, with the visitors holding the upper hand by winning 33 games to the Lakers’ 30.
The Lakers average 109.8 points against the Warriors, who average 111.1 points per game in these contests.
The Lakers posted a strong 31-10 record at home last season, while the Warriors were 24-17 on the road.
In their most recent preseason meeting on October 6 at Chase Center, the Warriors edged out the Lakers 111-103.
Lakers vs Warriors Prediction and betting tips
With LeBron James missing from the lineup, the hosts face a significant challenge on offense as they will primarily depend on Luka Doncic to make every possession count.
Consequently, the Warriors enter as the slight favorites to win the season opener on the road.
Fans should expect a tightly contested match, with Golden State riding the confidence of having both Curry and Butler in their arsenal.