Luka Doncic Lakers Warriors Season Opener: Key Takeaways

Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler led the Lakers to a 127-105 season-opening win over the Warriors on Wednesday, with Kessler shooting a perfect 12-for-12 in his Los Angeles debut. Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg then added a sharp postgame complaint about Doncic to an already contentious introduction to the NBA.

The basketball offered plenty to discuss: Los Angeles showed an encouraging partnership between its lead creator and new center. But Golden State's lengthy absence list matters, and one excellent night isn't enough to establish what this rebuilt Lakers team will deliver against healthier opposition.

Luka Doncic Lakers Warriors season opener: the numbers

According to ESPN, Doncic finished with a game-high 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Kessler supplied 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Austin Reaves added 23 points and six assists.

The key numbers show why the result deserves attention, even with a full season still to play:

• Doncic: 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists.
• Kessler: 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting, nine rebounds, two blocks.
• Reaves: 23 points and six assists.
• Starting five: A 34-24 scoring advantage and a 141.7 offensive rating in 12 minutes together, per ESPN.

Kessler's efficiency also carried historical weight. ESPN reports that he became the first Laker to shoot 100% on at least 12 field-goal attempts since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969, and the first to make 10 dunks in a game since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003.

Those are remarkable reference points. Our caution is simple: pay more attention to the chances Kessler gets than to whether he can repeat a perfect shooting night.

What did the Doncic-Kessler partnership show?

The connection appeared immediately, with Doncic finding Kessler for an alley-oop dunk on the opening possession, according to ESPN. Beyond that highlight, Doncic's explanation offered a useful look at how his new center responded to the defense.

“When I was driving, [Kessler] stepped up,” Doncic said, per ESPN. “When I was doubled, he played in the pocket. Very impressive game from him.”

Our read is that this gives Los Angeles a promising partnership to build around. Kessler's movement when Doncic drove or drew a double-team is worth watching as they play more games together.

Coach JJ Redick also credited Kessler's transition hustle for generating high-percentage chances. We'd watch whether those opportunities remain available when an opponent limits transition chances and makes Los Angeles work through a set defense.

Kessler was also playing his first regular-season game since shoulder surgery in November, ESPN reports. An outstanding return is encouraging, but we'd want to see more before treating this debut as a typical night for him.

Reaves and the new starters deserve attention too

Redick started Doncic, Kessler and Reaves alongside Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. ESPN describes the two forwards as defensive-minded additions. On paper, that looks like a sensible balance around the lineup's playmakers and interior finisher.

Reaves' six assists are relevant to the Doncic-Kessler discussion. Our view is that a second creator can make the partnership less dependent on Doncic manufacturing every good possession. Kessler credited his teammates' court vision for finding him in the right spots.

The starting group's 141.7 offensive rating is eye-catching, but it came in just 12 minutes together. We'd treat that as an encouraging first sample, not a settled description of the unit.

There was defensive work to assess, too. ESPN reports that the starters struggled to contain Stephen Curry in the first quarter before tightening up after halftime; Curry scored 16 of his team-high 23 points in the opening period. Our takeaway is that the response was encouraging, while the early difficulty still deserves attention.

How much did Golden State's absences matter?

Quite a bit, in our view. ESPN lists Jimmy Butler III, Brandin Podziemski, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody and Charles Bassey as unavailable because of various injuries and ailments.

Those absences matter when judging the result. Los Angeles beat the Warriors team in front of it convincingly, but this wasn't a full-strength Golden State roster.

We wouldn't dismiss Kessler's finishing or Doncic's control because players were missing. We also wouldn't assume that the same production transfers unchanged against an opponent with more of its rotation available.

The next useful test is how Los Angeles creates those looks against a healthier group. We'd learn more from seeing the Lakers consistently create good chances than from another comfortable final score alone.

What did Yaxel Lendeborg say about Doncic?

Lendeborg's NBA debut included a running verbal exchange with Doncic, according to Yahoo Sports. Afterward, the Warriors rookie said he had “lost all respect” for the Lakers star, as reported by ABC7 and other outlets.

Yahoo Sports also reported criticism of Doncic's “whining and complaining.” Those are Lendeborg's characterizations, not an independent finding about Doncic's conduct.

ESPN places their first-half exchange during a 17-4 Lakers run to close the second quarter, which ended with Doncic banking in a 49-foot shot at the buzzer. The exchange and the shot provide plenty to discuss without guessing at either player's motives.

Our view: the comments explain the controversy, but they don't tell us much about how Los Angeles will play next. A rookie's frustration isn't evidence that the Doncic-Kessler connection will become more or less effective.

What should we watch for from the Lakers next?

Start with availability following Kessler's return from shoulder surgery, then see whether Redick retains the same starting five. We'd also look for continued involvement from Reaves and evidence that Kessler can keep finding productive positions against a healthier opponent.

What would change our view? Fewer clean interior opportunities, a change in Kessler's role or availability, or a less convincing defensive response would make us more cautious. Consistently good shot creation against healthier opponents would make the opener more persuasive.

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Frequently asked questions

What were Luka Doncic's opening-night stats against the Warriors?

According to ESPN, Doncic recorded a game-high 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. The Lakers beat the Warriors 127-105 in their season opener.

Did Walker Kessler miss a shot in his Lakers debut?

Kessler went 12-for-12 from the field and finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. ESPN reports that he was the first Laker to make every field-goal attempt on at least 12 attempts since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969.

What did Yaxel Lendeborg say about Luka Doncic?

Lendeborg said he had “lost all respect” for Doncic after his NBA debut, according to ABC7 and other reports. Yahoo Sports also reported his criticism of Doncic's “whining and complaining” following their on-court exchanges.

Which Warriors players missed the season opener against the Lakers?

ESPN reported that Jimmy Butler III, Brandin Podziemski, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody and Charles Bassey were unavailable. Their absences were attributed to various injuries and ailments.

Sources: Luka Doncic embraces lead role, pairs with Kessler to dominate Warriors (ESPN) · ‘Lost all respect’: Yaxel Lendeborg slams Luka Doncic after contentious NBA debut (sports.yahoo.com) · Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg rips Luka Doncic after NBA debut vs. Lakers (mercedsunstar.com) · Yaxel Lendeborg rips Luka Dončić after debut: 'I lost all respect' (vcstar.com) · Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg: 'Lost all respect' for Luka Doncic (abc7.com) · Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg ‘lost all respect' for Luka Dončić in fiery NBA debut (nbcsportsbayarea.com)