- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Los Angeles Lakers began their first season without LeBron James in six years by defeating the Golden State Warriors 127-105 on opening night.
James departed in the offseason, signing a two-year, $8 million contract with the Sixers. He recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a victory at New York on Tuesday. Lakers coach Steve Kerr noted his rivalry with James stretches back to four consecutive NBA Finals matchups against James' Cavaliers. "Those Finals will live in the history of both franchises forever," Kerr said.
Luka Doncic, now in his 18th month with Los Angeles, led the Lakers with 28 points and seven assists against Golden State. He sank a half-court buzzer-beater to close the first half and had previously taken out a full-page advertisement in the LA Times offering fans complimentary parking and bike rides. James had once referred to Doncic as "Luka Magic."
Austin Reaves, who re-signed on a four-year, $180 million deal, became the longest-tenured Laker at six seasons. Walker Kessler added a perfect 12-for-12 shooting performance, the most makes without a miss by a Laker since Chamberlain in 1969, including 10 dunks.
Source: ESPN - Thu Oct 22, 8:23 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).