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Warriors basketball delivered another important preseason test Tuesday, as Golden State defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Las Vegas. The result came during a closely watched exhibition matchup at T-Mobile Arena, with both California rivals preparing for their regular-season opener against each other.
The latest game carried extra attention because the Lakers and Warriors are scheduled to meet again when the regular season begins. With only nine days separating the preseason meeting from opening night, the contest offered both teams an opportunity to evaluate rotations, build rhythm and establish an early edge in a familiar rivalry.
Warriors Earn a Valuable Preseason Advantage
Golden State entered the matchup with an important advantage: continuity. The Warriors have spent more time together and remain familiar with their system, while the Lakers are still integrating a roster that experienced significant turnover during the offseason.
That difference was one of the central storylines before tipoff. Although the Warriors may not be widely viewed as championship favorites, they remain a connected and competitive group led by Stephen Curry. Their experience together makes them a difficult preseason opponent, especially against a Lakers team still defining its combinations.
For Los Angeles, the objective was not simply to win. Head coach JJ Redick has repeatedly emphasized the value of the process during exhibition play. Defensive communication, decision-making and the development of dependable roles mattered just as much as the final result.
Walker Kessler Makes His Lakers Debut
One of the biggest developments surrounding the game was Walker Kessler’s preseason debut. Kessler and Collin Sexton had not appeared in the Lakers’ earlier exhibition contests, making Kessler’s availability a major point of interest for fans and the coaching staff.
His first appearance gave Los Angeles a chance to examine how he fits into the team’s frontcourt structure. Kessler’s presence could be especially important as the Lakers continue searching for the right balance between size, mobility and defensive reliability.
The matchup also provided another opportunity to assess Austin Reaves. Reaves made his preseason debut during the Lakers’ recent victory over the Sacramento Kings and was understandably working through some rust. His ability to create offense, space the floor and connect with the team’s primary playmakers remains a key part of the Lakers’ plans.
Luka Dončić Sits Out as Lakers Manage Workload
Luka Dončić did not play against the Warriors, according to the latest Lakers injury update. His absence changed the shape of the game and prevented Los Angeles from getting another extended look at its lead creator alongside Reaves and the rest of the projected rotation.
Dončić had looked sharp in the Lakers’ recent win over Sacramento, scoring 23 points in only 25 minutes. That performance offered a glimpse of the offensive impact Los Angeles hopes to see during the regular season, but the team will likely remain careful with his workload before opening night.
Without Dončić on the floor, the Lakers had to rely more heavily on their supporting cast to handle possessions, move the ball and create quality shots. Those responsibilities can help clarify which players are ready for larger roles once the games begin to count.
Why the Lakers vs. Warriors Result Matters
Preseason results are rarely definitive, and Tuesday’s outcome should not be treated as a full prediction of the upcoming season. Still, the game offered useful information. Golden State’s cohesion remains a strength, while Los Angeles continues to develop the chemistry that has impressed observers during the early part of camp.
Redick has described this Lakers roster as one that finally “actually fits together” during his tenure. The early signs have been encouraging, particularly as players learn how to complement Dončić and Reaves. However, the group still needs time to prove that its promising fit can survive the pace and pressure of regular-season basketball.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has been one of the Lakers’ notable preseason standouts, while Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero have also drawn attention for their early progress. Those developments give Los Angeles more options as the coaching staff evaluates its rotation.
- Golden State’s edge: Familiarity with its system and established chemistry.
- Los Angeles’ focus: Integrating new players and defining reliable roles.
- Key storyline: Walker Kessler’s debut and Luka Dončić’s rest.
- Next challenge: Turning encouraging preseason chemistry into consistent execution.
The Lakers’ loss to the Warriors is therefore best viewed as a useful checkpoint rather than a warning sign. The teams will soon meet again with much higher stakes, and both coaching staffs now have fresh film to study before that opening-night showdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Lakers face in their latest preseason game?
The Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Did Luka Dončić play against the Warriors?
No. Luka Dončić was listed out for the preseason matchup as the Lakers managed his workload before the regular season.
Did Walker Kessler make his preseason debut?
Yes. Walker Kessler made his preseason debut for the Lakers against Golden State.
Why was the matchup important?
The game served as a preview of the Lakers and Warriors’ regular-season opener, which was scheduled for nine days later.
What is the main focus for the Lakers now?
The Lakers are focused on improving chemistry, finalizing roles and sharpening execution before the games begin to count.
