Overview
- Golden State beat Los Angeles 119-109 on Opening Night despite Luka Dončić posting 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
- LeBron James, sidelined with right-side sciatica, missed his first season opener and is targeting a mid-November return after a re-evaluation expected soon.
- Dončić played 41 minutes and was seen grabbing at his upper right leg late, which he downplayed but which underscores early-season workload concerns.
- The Lakers reshaped the roster with Dončić’s February arrival and offseason additions Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, and promoted an 'Obsess Over Greatness' training video before the opener.
- Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett criticized coach JJ Redick’s past playoff minute management of James on his show, reinforcing scrutiny on how Los Angeles manages stars’ minutes now.