The Los Angeles Lakers made a powerful statement to open the 2026-27 NBA season, throttling the Golden State Warriors 127-105 on October 21. That victory kicked off a perfect 3-0 start, with subsequent wins over the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz. The team is riding a three-game winning run and looks to continue it at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 27.
Luka Dončić was his usual brilliant self, stuffing the stat sheet with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He finished the game with a team-best plus-31 rating. Austin Reaves shook off a slow start to contribute 25 points and six assists. But the story of the night was Walker Kessler. In his Lakers regular-season debut, the big man was flawless. He scored 24 points on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting from the field. Ten of those makes were dunks, a staggering display of efficiency and athleticism in the paint.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry managed 23 points but was held to just 2-of-7 shooting from three-point range. Much of his production came in the first quarter. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg had a solid NBA debut for Golden State, spending significant time defending Dončić. The Lakers' defense was a major factor, forcing turnovers on 28.8 percent of Warriors possessions in the second and third quarters. Jake LaRavia also played well off the bench for Los Angeles, hitting two three-pointers in nearly 18 minutes of action.
A 3-0 record to begin the campaign builds immediate confidence and establishes a winning standard. The Lakers' most recent result was a 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on October 25. Before that, they defeated the LA Clippers 125-117 on October 23. This early momentum is vital in the competitive Western Conference. The dominant performance against a rival like Golden State, especially with a new contributor like Kessler integrating so seamlessly, sends a message about the team's depth and potential.
The chemistry between Dončić and his teammates, particularly in the pick-and-roll with Kessler, looked potent. Kessler's ability to run the floor and finish lobs adds a dynamic element the Lakers can leverage all season. After the game, Dončić's comments about being happy in Los Angeles should also placate any concerns about his long-term future with the franchise.
The schedule doesn't let up. The Lakers' next fixture is at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 27. Maintaining this early form will be the immediate goal. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The team will also get another crack at the Warriors soon, with a rematch set for October 30 at Chase Center.
That Halloween Eve game promises to be chippy, especially after the physical debut of Golden State's Yaxel Lendeborg, who has already developed a noticeable rivalry with Dončić. For now, the Lakers can enjoy a perfect record. The blend of superstar power from Luka Dončić, scoring punch from Austin Reaves, and a potentially breakout season from Walker Kessler has Los Angeles looking like a formidable force out of the gate.
