The 2025-26 NBA season literally just began on Tuesday night. The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder tipped off the new campaign with a bang in a double OT thriller. The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors were up next, with the Dubs claiming a 119-109 win.
The Lakers’ flaws were exposed during the matchup. As many feared, Deandre Ayton’s fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves looks a bit clunky. The role players struggled to make plays. Doncic and Reaves scored or assisted on most of the team’s points. It’s too early to worry, certainly, but some are ready to press the panic button already.
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“Of the four teams that were playing last night, they were by far the worst to play,” Jay Williams said on ESPN about LA. “The Lakers aren’t a championship team, and I think it’s okay to say that. Watching them last night… They’re a mediocre team. Their offense is decent, their defense is horrific.”
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry drives against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
For the Lakers and head coach JJ Redick, the defense will be a concern. They gave up 64 points in the second half, and the Warriors seemed to get in extremely easily. There are holes on the roster as well that Doncic’s greatness can’t paper over. LeBron James returning should help a little with all this, but at the moment, it’s hard not to agree with Williams’ assessment.
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