The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as two Western Conference powerhouses—each with championship aspirations—clash on NBA Opening Night. The Golden State Warriors travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday in a game that promises intrigue and drama.
This meeting serves as a poignant rematch of their memorable showdown last May, where the Lakers edged out the Warriors 103-100 in the first-ever play-in tournament. That night, LeBron James, fighting through blurred vision after an eye poke, nailed a spectacular game-winning three-pointer with just over a minute to go, famously quipping afterward, “I was seeing three rims and shot at the middle one.” While James recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, it barely eclipsed a stunning 37-point performance by Stephen Curry.
How the Teams Have Changed
Much has shifted since that night. The Lakers have undergone a massive roster overhaul, retaining only LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker from last year’s squad. However, Horton-Tucker won’t take part in the opener due to a thumb injury. Surrounding the Lakers’ core are a host of new faces, including Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, DeAndre Jordan, Rajon Rondo, and Dwight Howard, the latter two returning after brief stints elsewhere. Despite their winless 0-6 preseason, including two losses to Golden State, James remains unperturbed.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have maintained more continuity, bringing back six of the eight key contributors from their season-ending loss. They remain without Klay Thompson, who continues to recover from an Achilles injury, and big man James Wiseman, nearing his return from a torn meniscus. With Stephen Curry leading the way, the Warriors will rely on their depth and trademark three-point shooting.
Warriors’ Long-Range Weaponry
Golden State’s sharpshooting prowess was on full display in the play-in game, where they drilled 15-of-34 three-pointers, nearly toppling the Lakers. The Warriors set a franchise record last season by averaging 38.7 three-point attempts per game. They doubled down on their identity in the preseason, firing an astronomical 63.2 threes per game.
The preseason also showcased contributions from new additions. Jordan Poole knocked down 16 three-pointers over five games, while veterans Otto Porter Jr. (55.2% from three) and Nemanja Bjelica (44.4%) combined to make 24 triples in 47 attempts. Curry was, as expected, lights out, hitting 17-of-42 threes, including a dazzling 41-point performance in their preseason finale against Portland.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed confidence in his squad, declaring them “ready to go” ahead of the season opener.
A Nod to History
Tuesday’s game carries historical significance as well, marking the first time the Warriors and Lakers have opened a season in Los Angeles since 1982. Times have changed dramatically since that contest, which featured just nine total three-point attempts, compared to the modern era’s heavy reliance on perimeter shooting. That night, World B. Free led the Warriors with 30 points in a 132-117 victory over a Lakers team boasting Hall of Famers like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.
As the NBA embarks on its 75th season, all eyes will be on this marquee matchup of storied franchises—one fueled by transformation, and the other by continuity. Will the Lakers’ new-look roster gel in time to challenge the Warriors’ three-point barrage? Let the fireworks begin.
