The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season with plenty of fireworks — and a brief injury scare for their new superstar.
Luka Doncic scored 43 points to open up the 2025–26 season, but the team fell 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors on October 21. Afterward, Doncic told reporters he felt some discomfort on the inside of his right leg and spent extended time receiving treatment in the locker room.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”
Luka Doncic Dominates Despite Minor Scare
Before the tweak, Doncic looked every bit the MVP candidate Los Angeles traded for last season. The five-time All-Star posted 43 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists in 41 minutes, adding two steals and showing improved defensive mobility compared to his stretch with the Mavericks.
“I think I’m getting better on the defensive end,” Doncic told ESPN. “I’m just trying to get more involved, more communication with my teammates. But overall, 41 minutes, so I like that.”
According to ESPN Research, Doncic shot an incredible 13-for-14 in the paint and 15-for-17 on two-point attempts. He also converted several tough finishes through contact, continuing the aggressive, downhill style that defined his preseason.
The 25-year-old entered the season having slimmed down significantly, crediting an offseason of conditioning and dietary changes. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic’s mobility was one of the team’s biggest positives in the opener.
Lakers’ Turnovers and Cold Shooting Cost Them
While Doncic carried the Lakers offensively, the team struggled elsewhere. Los Angeles turned the ball over 20 times, leading to 22 Golden State points. Doncic accounted for three of those miscues and went 2-for-10 from deep as the Lakers collectively shot just 8-for-32 from beyond the arc.
The third quarter proved decisive again, a recurring problem for the Lakers in recent years.
“The trend I see is that we continue to be a terrible third-quarter team,” Redick told reporters. “That was last year. That was the preseason. Gotta rethink some things … what do they need at halftime to make sure they’re ready to play?”
What It Means for the Lakers
Doncic’s debut underscored just how different this version of the Lakers could look. The 25-year-old took command of the offense from the opening tip, blending his signature pace and strength with new spacing around him. Los Angeles built its roster to complement Doncic’s ball-dominant style, surrounding him with shooters and versatile defenders.
The question will be how quickly Redick’s group can build chemistry. The Lakers’ offense often stalled when Doncic sat, and the team’s lack of consistent outside shooting remains a concern. Still, Doncic’s individual brilliance was enough to keep them competitive against one of the league’s most cohesive cores in Golden State.
The Lakers, of course, will be awaiting the return of LeBron James and how he meshes after an injury has kept him out of action in the preseason and beginning of the regular season.
What’s Next
Doncic and the Lakers will have two days off before hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24. The team expects Doncic to be available, barring any setback, as he continues treatment and recovery between games.
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