Curry and Doncic headline Warriors-Lakers opener without LeBron James

The opening night of the 2025-26 NBA season features a marquee contest: the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers. While one of the game’s biggest names — LeBron James — will be unavailable, there is still plenty of star power on display.

LeBron out, spotlight shifts

LeBron, entering what would be his 23rd NBA season, is sidelined for the opener due to a sciatica issue affecting his right side. His absence removes a major storyline, but it also opens up opportunities for other players to take centre stage.

Two stars take the reins

• For the Warriors, Stephen Curry begins his 17th NBA season, still as the focal point of Golden State’s offence and identity.
• For the Lakers, it’s the first full season of Luka Doncic in Los Angeles following his mid-season move. He is now expected to be the central leader of the team’s effort.

Team context and changes

The Lakers, already third seed in the Western Conference last season, made major moves in the offseason and now must begin without their veteran leader. New additions such as Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart join the squad, and Doncic will have to step up right out of the gate.

The Warriors, meanwhile, are leaning on their championship experience. They still have Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green among others. But there are concerns about age, depth, and preseason issues (turnovers, injuries) that could affect their readiness.

What to watch

• How well Doncic handles the increased responsibility without LeBron in the lineup. He’ll need to command many of the offensive sets and leadership roles.
• How the Warriors handle their veteran core and supplement it with younger legs. Curry remains elite, but the surrounding cast needs to perform.
• Whether the absence of a player of LeBron’s calibre shifts the balance in this matchup — both offensively and defensively.
• The overall tone of the season opener: this remains a marquee game, and with national broadcast coverage, the narrative will be amplified.

Why it matters

Even without LeBron, this game carries significance:

• It sets an early tone for both franchises in what could be pivotal seasons.
• It highlights a changing of the guard moment for the Lakers, with Doncic now the franchise’s main option.
• For the Warriors, it is a chance to reaffirm they remain contenders even as their roster ages and transitions.
• For fans and the league, it’s an opportunity to see top talent in a high-stakes environment right from the start.

In summary: The Lakers vs Warriors opener promises to be must-watch despite the absence of LeBron James. With Stephen Curry anchoring one side and Luka Doncic stepping into a full-time leadership role on the other, the matchup remains loaded with star power, storylines and potential significance for how both teams begin their campaigns.