Lights, Cameras, Rivalry: Lakers-Warriors Set the Stage for Another Classic

From blockbuster trades to offseason storylines that dominated headlines, the NBA’s curtain rises once again — and few matchups shine brighter than Lakers vs. Warriors. And there’s no better way to tip off the new season than with two of the league’s biggest brands colliding under the bright lights. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, two franchises that have defined modern basketball, will open their 2025–26 campaigns in what already feels like another chapter in a rivalry built on legacy, star power, and mutual respect.

After a disappointing first-round upset by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers return to playing meaningful basketball. This time, though, they’re bringing a far more complete roster than the one that was dominated last spring. With a promising young role player in Jake LaRavia, a former star center in Deandre Ayton seeking a career resurgence, and a former DPOY in Marcus Smart bringing championship experience and leadership, this is a roster that’s deeper, more balanced, and far more confident in its title hopes heading into the new season.

Their opponent, the Golden State Warriors, enters with similar championship aspirations. For years, the Lakers and Warriors have been connected by more than their division — they’ve been tied together through LeBron James and Stephen Curry, two icons whose battles have defined modern basketball. But last season’s trade deadline flipped the script, adding Luka Dončić and Jimmy Butler to the mix and giving this rivalry fresh energy. Both have already made their mark, reshaping the identity of their squads. But with LeBron sidelined by sciatica, Dončić will have to shoulder the load and keep the Lakers afloat against a Warriors team that is hungry to compete for a title that was hampered by a Steph Curry injury in the semifinals. Here’s what to watch out for ahead of their primetime showdown:

All Eyes on the Defense: The Lakers’ Biggest Question Mark

After last year’s trade deadline, the Lakers managed to piece together an elite defense for a brief but impressive stretch, one that carried them deep into contention before eventually faltering in the playoffs. Fast forward to this preseason, and the results have been far less encouraging. While it’s only a small sample size, Los Angeles ranked in the bottom ten in defensive efficiency, raising early concerns about whether this group can regain that identity.

Without LeBron James, the team’s on-court communicator and defensive anchor after losing Anthony Davis, the Lakers will be tested right away. There’s still not enough meaningful data to make firm conclusions, but the questions are valid. Opening night will offer the first real glimpse of whether that issue has been addressed or if it’s poised to resurface.

Guarding an offensive powerhouse like Stephen Curry requires relentless ball pressure and screen navigation — areas where the Lakers struggled to maintain elite consistency last season. However, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Marcus Smart all looked sharp and healthy in preseason, and they’ll be heavily relied upon to be physical with Curry, chase him through his maze of off-ball screens, and limit his clean looks from three or easy cuts to the rim.

Of course, defending Golden State extends beyond containing Curry. The Warriors’ constant off-ball movement and paint cuts demand crisp rotations and strong rim protection. In the past, Anthony Davis was the ultimate safety net — capable of erasing breakdowns and masking defensive lapses. With him no longer in the picture, that responsibility now falls partly on Deandre Ayton, who must anchor the paint, and on a team defense that operates on a tight string, as JJ Redick often says, “with championship effort and championship communication."

Finding Flow Without Lebron

When JJ Redick announced his starting five of Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton, it caught fans slightly off guard. Many expected Marcus Smart or Jarred Vanderbilt to start for their defensive presence and size, but Redick’s decision prioritizes spacing and offensive fluidity. By keeping non-shooters out of the starting lineup, he prevents defenses from sagging off and clogging driving lanes, giving Luka and the Lakers’ scorers more room to operate in the half-court.

Without LeBron James, the Lakers’ offensive shape naturally shifts. The paint becomes less crowded, allowing Rui Hachimura to play with more aggression. He can now attack mismatches, use his strength in the post, and rely on his polished midrange game without being surrounded by help defenders. Expect Deandre Ayton to play a crucial complementary role — setting hard screens, diving to the rim, and providing interior scoring to keep defenses honest. Around them, Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent will look to space the floor, cut behind defenders, and serve as secondary ball-handlers when Luka draws extra attention.

Against the Warriors, who excel at movement, pace, and forcing mistakes, offensive discipline will be key. The Lakers must exploit mismatches through Luka’s size and vision, punishing switches and defensive lapses with smart pick-and-rolls and timely passes. Off-ball activity will matter just as much — Reaves and Vincent need to stay in motion to keep the defense guessing. When the Warriors over-help, Los Angeles must attack closeouts, drive the lanes, and generate rim pressure. And when defenders collapse, the Lakers must make them pay from three.

Maintaining tempo and control will be critical. Golden State thrives on turnovers that fuel transition runs, so Los Angeles must value every possession, execute sharply, and avoid stagnation. While Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will inevitably dominate the ball thanks to their elite shot creation and three-level scoring, the Lakers can’t afford to fall into the same isolation-heavy tendencies that bogged them down in last year’s playoffs. If they move the ball, trust the system, and lean on their balance rather than their stars alone, this offense can still find its rhythm.