The Los Angeles Lakers opened their NBA season with a 127-105 victory against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 22 (local time on Oct. 21). Led by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and newcomer Walker Kessler, the Lakers erased an early deficit to secure a commanding win.
Lakers Seize Control After Tight First Quarter
Golden State pressed the tempo early, edging a tight 34-33 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Los Angeles responded just before intermission by rattling off a 17-4 run to build a 66-52 lead at the break. The Lakers then seized complete control in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 36-16 to stretch their margin to as many as 35 points before coasting through the final frame.
Doncic Dominates First Half Before Resting Fourth Quarter
Doncic finished with 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. He scored 23 of his points in the first half alone, punctuating the surge by draining a shot near the halfcourt line right before the halftime buzzer. Despite sitting out the entire fourth quarter to rest, the star guard led all scorers on the night.
Reaves and Kessler Fuel the Frontline
Reaves chipped in 23 points, six assists, and four rebounds, sinking a crucial 3-pointer in the third quarter as the lead expanded. Meanwhile, Kessler delivered a historic interior performance after arriving from the Utah Jazz. The big man made all 12 of his field goal attempts, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks while throwing down 10 dunks.
Kessler’s 12 field goals fell just shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s franchise record of 14 straight makes set in 1969. His 10 dunks matched the club’s single-game high last reached by Shaquille O’Neal in 2003.
Shaquille O’Neal Coins the “Snowtime Lakers”
Following the blowout victory, O’Neal praised Kessler’s output, telling reporters the big man played “like the best big man in the league.” O’Neal also leaned into the pre-season moniker for the new-look roster, dubbing the trio of Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler the “Snowtime Lakers”—a play on the historic “Showtime Lakers” era.
Moving Forward Without LeBron James
With LeBron James having departed for the Philadelphia 76ers, the victory offered an early glimpse into Los Angeles’ redesigned rotation. The Lakers hit the road next for their upcoming scheduled matchup on the league calendar.
More on Los Angeles
Related reading
