Luka Doncic is already an unquestioned superstar who has amassed Hall of Fame credentials through the first seven years of his NBA career, but he is still under immense scrutiny entering the 2025-26 season. Sporting a new-and-improved physique, the spectacular Slovenian is tasked with leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the next level. While LeBron James recovers from sciatica, Doncic must get off to a hot start. He did just that on Tuesday, but LA still left its season opener with a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The five-time All-NBA First-Team selection scored 43 points on 17-of-27 shooting to go with 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block. Despite making just two of his 10 attempts from behind the 3-point line, Doncic still posted a magnificent effort in defeat. He joins all-time great center Shaquille O'Neal as the only players in franchise history to record 35 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a season opener, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Doncic also surpassed his personal career-best scoring mark in openers. The home crowd in Crypto.com Arena should be delighted to see the 26-year-old dazzle in the first game of the season. He is just one man, though.
Even when he is in MVP-caliber form, Doncic alone is not enough to will this version of the Lakers to victory against a formidable Western Conference foe. Austin Reaves' efficient 26 points did not suffice, either. Deandre Ayton was the only other Lakers player to reach double figures on the night (10 points). The team also committed 20 turnovers and allowed the Warriors to shoot 42.5 percent from 3-point range. LA has a myriad of issues to fix before Friday's meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Regardless, Luka Doncic knows he will need to consistently load up the stat sheet in James' absence. The Lakers must now figure out how to meld his individual brilliance with a winning team result.
