Full Breakdown
Lakers Secure First Preseason Win Against Warriors
10/13/2025, 12:11:01 PM
Lakers Triumph in Preseason Matchup
The Los Angeles Lakers achieved their first victory of the 2025 NBA preseason, defeating the Golden State Warriors 126-116 at Crypto.com Arena on October 12. This win improved the Lakers' preseason record to 1-2, while the Warriors fell to 2-1. Both teams were missing key players, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who were sidelined due to injuries and rest.
Key Performers and Game Highlights
Austin Reaves was the standout player for the Lakers, scoring 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, along with three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes. Deandre Ayton contributed significantly with 14 points and eight rebounds. The Lakers demonstrated improved offensive execution, recording 28 assists on 43 field goals, a notable increase from their previous games.
Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, showcasing his potential as a future leader for the team. Jonathan Kuminga added 13 points and six assists, but also recorded five turnovers. The Warriors struggled with ball control, committing 20 turnovers throughout the game, which the Lakers capitalized on to score 21 points.
Injury Reports and Player Availability
The Lakers were without several key players, including LeBron James, who is dealing with sciatica, and Luka Doncic, who was a game-time decision but ultimately did not play. Marcus Smart was also ruled out due to Achilles tendinopathy. In contrast, the Warriors were missing Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Moses Moody, all of whom were sidelined for various reasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of sharing the basketball and executing offensive sets effectively. He noted, “Biggest thing offensively, we did a great job of just getting to the next action.” Meanwhile, Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenges posed by their missing stars, stating, “The spacing wasn’t good... we need to improve our ball handling.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the Lakers' victory, concerns linger regarding their ability to perform without their star players. The absence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic raises questions about the team's depth and resilience heading into the regular season. Critics argue that relying heavily on players like Reaves and Ayton may not be sustainable in the long run.
What's Next
The Lakers will continue their preseason schedule with upcoming games against the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks, where they will aim to build on their recent success. The Warriors, on the other hand, will look to regroup and address their turnover issues as they prepare for their next matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Biggest thing offensively, we did a great job of just getting to the next action,” — JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach
This preseason matchup highlighted the potential of younger players on both teams while underscoring the importance of health and depth as the regular season approaches.
