Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors 22 October 2026 Prediction

LeBron James’ eight-year run with the Lakers is over. Los Angeles enters the new season with Doncic, Reaves and Kessler, who has become the team’s third star. JJ Redick’s team lost both preseason games against Golden State, 124-98 and 101-89. They meet again in the regular-season opener.

Lakers Face Lineup and Wing-Depth Questions

The Lakers lost preseason games to Golden State (124-98 and 101-89) and Denver (121-106). Their only wins came against Sacramento, the NBA’s weakest team, 127-103 and 114-110. Injuries also disrupted their preparation. Sexton missed the entire preseason, while newcomer Carr played just twice because of a contusion.

“We’ve definitely seen signs of the basketball we want to play. But minor injuries have disrupted our preparation, making it hard to build continuity. We haven’t settled on a starting lineup yet,” JJ Redick said.

Redick appears to have settled on three starters: Doncic, Reaves and Kessler. Grimes is adjusting to a new role after a solid preseason, but power forward remains an open question. Williams, who clashed with Doncic while playing for Brooklyn, and LaRavia are the options. Neither stands out.

Lakers Predicted Lineup: Doncic, Reaves, Grimes, LaRavia, Kessler

Unavailable: None listed

Manager: JJ Redick

Golden State Sees Progress from Lendeborg

Golden State went 4-1 in the preseason despite injuries to Butler, Moody and Porzingis. The Warriors beat Sacramento (111-106), Portland (128-118) and the Lakers twice (124-98 and 101-89). Their only loss came in their first game against Portland (123-118), when they used an experimental lineup.

Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 draft pick, could play a leading role for Golden State this season. The forward has worked well alongside Green and improved the Warriors’ interior play. He averaged 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4 assists per game in the preseason, making a case for a starting spot.

Golden State Predicted Lineup: Curry, Podziemski, Santos, Lendeborg, Green

Unavailable: Butler, Moody, Porzingis (injuries)

Manager: Steve Kerr

Lakers Won Three of Four Regular-Season Meetings

The Lakers won three of their four games against the Warriors in the 2025-26 regular season, by scores of 105-99, 129-101 and 119-103. Golden State won both preseason meetings in October, 124-98 and 101-89.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction: Golden State Warriors Handicap +7.5

Main prediction: The Lakers look overvalued in this matchup. Golden State’s ball pressure forced Los Angeles into avoidable turnovers in both preseason meetings. Redick is still working out his frontcourt rotation, while the Warriors have shown more continuity. Golden State should be able to stay within the spread even against Doncic and Reaves. Take Golden State +7.5 at 1.71.

Total prediction: Adding Kessler and Looney after LeBron’s departure has strengthened the Lakers’ interior defense but slowed their pace. Golden State also has fewer offensive options without Butler and Porzingis, leaving Curry and Lendeborg with much of the playmaking responsibility. The Lakers scored fewer than 100 points in both preseason games against the Warriors, and four of the teams’ last five meetings finished with 230 points or fewer. Take under 230.5 at 1.90.