Los Angeles Lakers begin life after LeBron James with the small matter of a clash against Californian rivals Golden State Warriors at the Crypto.com Arena.
It's a mouthwatering Game 1 to help launch the 2026/27 marathon and, while this alone won't decide who finishes where, it's a game with so much on the line.
Among the many storylines are the fact that Golden State have beaten the Lakers twice in warm-up games, while LA know they are terrible season starters - during LeBron's eight-year tenure they won only once on the opening night.
And therein lies the biggest story of the lot - there is no LeBron. This is Luca Doncic's team now and the question is, can he lead this team to more glory? In fact, the more pressing question is, can he lead his team past Golden State?
Warriors vs. Lakers betting picks and predictions
Warriors +6.5 (-109)
So many questions going into this eagerly anticipated opener.
Can a team minus the legendary LeBron hit the ground running straight away? Can Stephen Curry turn back the clock and turn on the style? Does he even play after a weekend knock?
Will Walker Kessler be the missing ingredient on defense to ensure the Lakers see more of the ball on offense where they will always shine?
Can Dubs rookie Yaxel Lendeborg star on his debut, or can Doncic and Austin Reaves hit the ground running?
Is LA a team who can't win on opening night or is that merely a statistical oddity?
And just how much importance do we place on the Warriors beating the Lakers twice - and beating them well both times - in the buildup to this showdown in downtown?
Certainly, the Warriors are a team right now, albeit a short-handed one, and that might just be decisive.
Steve Kerr is banking on real old-timers like Curry, Draymond Green and Al Horford with so many big names out, yet there is no doubt they have performed well in pre-season.
What the Lakers need to do is to up their rebounding, which is where Kessler fits in, because if he is at it from the get-go then Doncic and Reaves can have some real fun. If the summer rust has gone and they get an understanding.
It could take time for the Lakers to click, which is why they are worth opposing, certainly against the spread.
Gui Santos over 12.5 points (-112)
Many commentators - admittedly mainly in San Francisco - are predicting a breakthrough season for Gui Santos.
The Brazilian forward makes wrong calls and commits turnovers, but he also adds something different to the Warriors in offense, playing a supporting role to Curry.
Last season he averaged 9.2 points, but picked up as the season progressed. From an OT win over Houston on March 6, he suited up in 20 games in which he averaged 15.9 points.
Santos has been handed a 12.5-point spread for this tussle and that was a mark he passed in 15 of those 20 games at the back end of term.
Al Horford over 3.5 rebounds (-135)
Al Horford will have a role to play for the Warriors both in Game 1 and throughout the season.
The 40-year-old's minutes will be watched but that was true last season and he is certainly in demand right away with injuries biting.
Big Al averaged 21.5 minutes last season and still managed to drag down an average of 4.9 rebounds per game.
He had four rebounds and twice had five against the Lakers in 2025/26 and should be banked to clear 3.5 boards here.
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Warriors vs. Lakers odds
Golden State Warriors | +180 |
Los Angeles Lakers | -220 |
Spread | LA Lakers -6.5 |
Total Points | O/U 233.5 |
Warriors vs. Lakers player props
Player points
Steph Curry (GS Warriors) | O/U 24.5 |
Draymond Green (GS Warriors) | O/U 6.5 |
Gui Santos (GS Warriors) | O/U 12.5 |
Luka Doncic (LA Lakers) | O/U 31.5 |
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers) | O/U 23.5 |
Walker Kessler (LA Lakers) | O/U 11.5 |
Warriors vs. Lakers Team news
Dubs All-Star Curry went over on his ankle at the weekend, but coach Kerr is adamant the four-time champ gets to play.
However, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski will not feature, while Al Horford's minutes will be watched.
The reshaped Lakers begin life without LeBron, which means bright starts are required from the likes of Kessler, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
