Los Angeles followed a blowout win over Sacramento with a road loss to Golden State. The games gave an early look at a reshaped team following the departure of LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their second preseason contest 124-98 to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at Chase Center, one night after opening the exhibition schedule with a 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Golden State took control early Tuesday, outscoring the Lakers 45-31 in the opening quarter. Lakers head coach JJ Redick said the squad was ‘not ready to play’ as the Warriors secured their first win of the preseason. Los Angeles entered the contest without seven players, choosing to sit 27-year-old guard Luka Doncic along with several other veterans. Guard Dalton Knecht played 22 minutes in the loss, while forward Adou Thiero threw down a left-handed dunk before giving a positive health update after an awkward landing.
Early minutes for newcomers
Redick praised free-agent addition Quentin Grimes for his defensive focus throughout the opening contests. Grimes is competing for a starting spot on the wing after arriving during the offseason.
In Monday’s opener, Doncic made his first game appearance in more than six months after sitting out the final two weeks of the previous regular season. He scored 21 points in 16 minutes during the 24-point win over the Kings. Two-way guard Chris Manon delivered an all-around showing in that matchup, while rookie Cameron Carr also earned his first preseason minutes.
Roster overhaul around Doncic
The preseason games follow sweeping changes to the Los Angeles roster ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. LeBron James departed for the Philadelphia 76ers, ending his time sharing the court with his son Bronny James. The Lakers also lost four other consistent starters and rotation regulars from last season, with Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes moving on.
Doncic is now the team’s primary leader following his arrival via trade in February 2025. Los Angeles added center Walker Kessler through a trade and brought in veteran Kevon Looney to bolster the roster. For their developmental system, the Lakers acquired G League rights to 6-foot-11 center Cheikh Mbacke Diong and guard Max Abmas.
The Lakers return home to play Sacramento on Thursday for their first preseason contest on their home floor.
