Warriors vs Lakers: Score, Highlights, Kessler's Perfect Debut & Stats (October 21, 2026)

The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a statement win, beating the Golden State Warriors 127-105 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. It was the Lakers' first game since LeBron James left for Philadelphia, and new center Walker Kessler made an unforgettable debut.

Warriors vs Lakers: Final Score

• Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
• Records: Lakers 1-0, Warriors 0-1

How the Lakers Won

The Lakers pulled away in the middle of the game. They went on a 27-4 run over 3:21 in the second quarter to lead 76-56 at halftime, and they led by as many as 38 points in an earlier meeting this month. Golden State made a late push in the fourth quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 37-25, but the game was already decided.

Walker Kessler's Perfect Debut

The 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler scored 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds in his Lakers debut. His 12 shots without a miss are the second-most in Lakers history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain's 14-for-14 in March 1969. The Lakers traded a large amount of draft capital to Utah to get him.

Game Leaders

Doncic scored 28 points in just three quarters, and Austin Reaves added 23. Curry began his 18th NBA season with 23 points.

Key Moment: Doncic vs Lendeborg

Doncic scored 23 points in the first half while having a long physical and verbal exchange with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who was given a technical foul for something he said.

The Lakers After LeBron

With James gone to Philadelphia, Doncic is now the Lakers' clear centerpiece, with Reaves and Kessler in supporting roles. One game is a small sample, but the opening night result was a strong start.

☕ Found this helpful?

If this game recap saved you time, you can support our work and help us keep publishing free, up-to-date NBA coverage.

👉 Buy us a coffee

What's Next?

Check the NBA schedule for the rest of each team's games and the full four-game season series.

Lakers vs Warriors Rivalry

The Warriors joined the league in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, and the Lakers joined in 1948 as the Minneapolis Lakers. They first met on November 28, 1948. The most recent playoff meeting was the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, which the Lakers won 4-2.

Sources and Live Scores

• ESPN: Lakers 127, Warriors 105 recap
• ESPN: Warriors vs Lakers box score
• Fox Sports: Warriors vs Lakers final score
• Sofascore: Warriors vs Lakers
• Wikipedia: Lakers-Warriors rivalry
• NBA.com scores and schedule
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Golden State Warriors

FAQ

What was the score of Warriors vs Lakers? The Lakers won 127-105.

Who led the Lakers in scoring? Walker Kessler scored 26 on 12-for-12 shooting, and Luka Doncic scored 28.

How many points did Stephen Curry score? 23.

Where was the game played? Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

When do the Warriors and Lakers play next? October 31 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Last updated: October 22, 2026. Scores and schedules can change, so check NBA.com for the latest.

Enjoyed this post? Support Neuro Corp on Buy Me a Coffee ☕