The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a 0-1 start to the 2025-26 season following a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday. The Lakers lost their way in the third quarter, and Luka Doncic pointed to the period postgame when asked where the game turned.
“Honestly, I would say that third quarter, the start,” Doncic said. “I think we had these problems last year, too. So, I think that was most of the problem. It was close game; we’re down one at halftime. Then the start of the third quarter, they went on a run.”
The Lakers trailed 28-22 at the end of the first quarter, but a strong second quarter saw them enter halftime down 55-54. They had a little bit of momentum by their side, but went ice cold to start the third quarter.
The Lakers only scored four points in the first five minutes after halftime, and that allowed the Warriors to seize control. They went on an 18-4 run to take a 73-58 lead, and that was that. The Lakers did go on a 9-0 run in the fourth to make things a little bit interesting, but the Warriors remained in control and came away with a comfortable win.
This was a disappointing performance from the Lakers in LeBron James‘ absence, and Doncic’s play was just about the only positive to come out of this contest against the Warriors. The five-time All-Star had 43 points (17-27 FG), 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one block on the night.
Doncic had some promising defensive possessions as well, and he thinks he is improving on that end of the floor.
“I think I’m getting better on defensive end,” Doncic stated. “Just trying to be more involved, more communication. Overall, 41 minutes, I like that.”
Doncic’s slimming down this summer has been a big talking point for months now, and there was hope that it would lead to some improvement on defense. The early signs are positive, and the 26-year-old stated that being in better shape meant he was also less tired in this game, despite playing 41 minutes.
There was some concern about Doncic in the fourth quarter, though. He was holding his groin, and Lakers fans had their hearts in their mouths when they saw that. Doncic eased their fears after the game, but a doctor thinks this is something to be concerned about moving forward.
Luka Doncic Took Responsibility For Deandre Ayton’s Struggles
Deandre Ayton was one of many Lakers who didn’t play up to expectations against the Warriors. Ayton put up 10 points (5-7 FG), six rebounds, and one block on the night and also had four turnovers. It wasn’t the best of debuts, but Doncic took the blame for his new teammate’s struggles.
“I have to do a better job,” Doncic said. “Just talking to him, like what I want, what he wants. Today was on me. Not giving him enough touches, probably. So, that was on me, gotta help him out.”
Doncic added that he needs to adjust his game a bit for Ayton.
“I think he prefers that pocket pass,” Doncic stated. “I haven’t played, I don’t think, with a center like that. I think he prefers the pocket, so like I said before, we need to talk about it, and then we need to give him more touches.”
Doncic and Ayton only played two preseason games together, and it might take some time for them to get on the same page. The Lakers would be hoping it happens sooner rather than later. They’ll be in action next against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Friday at 10 PM ET.
