Kessler Shines in Debut as Lakers Dominate Warriors 127-105 in Opening Match

Written by Pavel Kateliev

Pavel Kateliev is a popular sport journalist, particularly in the fields of football, basketball, tennis, and hockey. He writes daily for Sportingpedia and his work has been translated into at least 20 languages and featured on renowned outlets such as BBC, Yahoo, MCN, Sun, and Evening News, in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

, | Updated: October 22, 2026

Key Takeaways:

Walker Kessler delivered 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and collected nine rebounds in his Los Angeles Lakers debut
Luka Doncic contributed 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Austin Reaves added 23 points as the Lakers overpowered the Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points in his 18th season opener

Kessler’s Flawless Arrival Sparks Lakers’ Effort

Walker Kessler introduced himself in remarkable fashion to Lakers fans on Wednesday night, producing a flawless 12-for-12 shooting performance en route to 26 points and nine rebounds against the Golden State Warriors. The 7-foot-2 centre, acquired from Utah in exchange for significant draft assets to support Luka Doncic’s ambitions for a top-tier frontcourt partner, exerted an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

Kessler’s efficiency put him among Lakers legends, marking the second-most consecutive makes without a miss in franchise history. Only Wilt Chamberlain’s 14-for-14 achievement from March 1969 stands above him. Despite not featuring in a competitive game since Halloween because of injury, Kessler made a statement from the outset, converting a lob from Doncic on the Lakers’ first possession and continuing his dominance as Los Angeles consolidated their early lead.

Game 1, won. https://t.co/usP3dSFqRh
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 22, 2026

Doncic, Reaves, and Team Effort Propel Lakers Past Warriors

Luka Doncic spearheaded the Lakers’ attack with 28 points—23 of which came in the opening half. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he added eight rebounds and seven assists before sitting out the final quarter. Austin Reaves supported with 23 points as Los Angeles opened a new chapter following LeBron James’ departure to Philadelphia.

Doncic’s competitive edge was on display during an extended clash with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who was issued a technical foul during a heated verbal and physical exchange. Doncic punctuated the encounter by banking in a shot from half-court at the buzzer, playfully directing his celebrations towards the rookie.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points at the outset of his 18th NBA season. Yaxel Lendeborg scored 12 points on his debut as the 11th overall draft pick, and Brandon Williams added 14.

Injury Report and Squads

Both teams battled through the absence of key personnel. Golden State began the contest without Brandin Podziemski (back) as well as experienced players Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, and Moses Moody, all of whom are sidelined with long-term injuries. The Lakers were without recently acquired guard Collin Sexton (calf), first-round pick Cameron Carr (oblique), and saw swingman Jake LaRavia exit the court limping in the fourth quarter.