Luka Doncic set a personal record with 43 points against the Warriors
Luka Dončić is already an unquestioned superstar who has earned Hall of Fame credentials over the first seven years of his NBA career, but is still under immense scrutiny entering the 2025-26 season. With a new and improved figure, the spectacular Slovenian is tasked with leading the way Los Angeles Lakers to the next level. Doc LeBron James is recovering from sciaticaDoncic has to start hot. He did just that on Tuesday, but LA still left the season opener with a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The five-time All-NBA First Team selection scored 43 points on 17-of-27 shooting with 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block. Although he made just two of his 10 attempts from behind the 3-point line, Doncic is still made a magnificent effort in defeat. He joins all-time great center Shaquille O’Neal as the only players in franchise history to record 35 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a season opener, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Doncic too surpassed his personal best career mark in the openers. The home crowd at Cripto.com Arena should be thrilled to see the 26-year-old dazzle in the first game of the season. He is only one man after all.
Even when he’s in MVP-caliber form, Doncic alone isn’t enough to propel this version of the Lakers to victory against a formidable Western Conference opponent. Austin Reeves’ efficient 26 points weren’t enough either. Deandre Ayton was the only other Lakers player to reach double figures on the night (10 points). The team also committed 20 turnovers and allowed the Warriors to shoot 42.5 percent from 3-point range. LA has a myriad of issues to resolve before meeting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Regardless, Luka Doncic knows that in James’ absence, he will have to constantly upload statistics. The Lakers must now figure out how to combine his individual brilliance with a winning team output.
2025-10-22 05:44:00
