Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, left, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic shake ...
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, left, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic shake hands after an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Los Angeles Lakers are back in Las Vegas for their annual exhibition matchup, this one Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena — and they’re bringing the Golden State Warriors with them.
The NBA’s two premier West Coast brands are clashing in preseason play as the league ramps up to its regular season, starting next Tuesday.
Both franchises have local ties and are anchored by global sporting icons.
Here are three things watch for:
Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic: Obviously, right?
At 38, Curry remains the NBA’s most spectacular showman, even for a half in preseason play with his unprecedented 3-point range. Paired with his handle, craft in the lane and arsenal of pull-ups, finishes and floaters, his range, flair for the dramatic and joyous nature still light up gyms.
In his prime at 27, Doncic hyptonizes with pace and counters as both a scorer and passer to every type of defensive coverage. Stepback triples, crosscourt passes and herky-jerky jumpers are among his specialties.
A T-Mobile Arena, Doncic didn’t play in last year’s Lakers preseason game while Curry played against the Lakers in 2024.
Gary Payton II: The former Spring Valley standout turned 2022 NBA champ with the Warriors remains a key cog in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. A skillful screener, roller, cutter and on-ball defender who plays above the rim, Payton has averages of 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 343 games.
He wasn’t a highly touted recruit.
Jaden Hardy: Hardy was a McDonald’s All-American after starring for four years at Coronado, starting his career with the Dallas Mavericks, who traded him last year to the Washington Wizards. Hardy was traded again last summer from the Wizards to Los Angeles, where he reunites with Doncic.
He’s a microwave scoring, sharp-shooting guard.
Contact Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on X.