Luka Doncic Drops 43 in Season Opener, Highest by a Laker Since 2007
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LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic opened the 2025-26 campaign with 43 points, the most by a Los Angeles Laker in a season debut since Kobe Bryant’s 45 in 2007, but the effort came in a 118-111 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 21.
The guard shot 17-for-27 from the field and went 13-for-14 in the restricted area. He added 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block across 41 minutes. According to the Lakers, the 43 points rank third in franchise history for an opening-night game.
“Yeah, just attack the paint,” Doncic said postgame. “Sometimes they’re going to help and sometimes no, so I’ve just got to attack even more in the paint.”
Team officials and Doncic pointed to his offseason conditioning overhaul as a factor in his performance. “I was less tired and in better shape,” he noted. “I think I’m getting better on the defensive end, just trying to get more involved and communicate more.”
The four-time All-Star briefly grabbed his groin late in the fourth quarter and required extended treatment before meeting reporters. Doncic downplayed the issue, saying, “It’s probably nothing. I just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way.”
Los Angeles played without injured forward LeBron James and fell behind by double digits early in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, Doncic’s scoring outburst offered the Lakers a bright spot as they head into the remainder of the schedule.
Source: LakersNation.com
