Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic kicked off the 2025-26 with a stellar performance. Even though it was in a losing effort to the Golden State Warriors, Doncic finished with a game-high 43 points on 17-of-27 shooting to go along with 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block.
His 43 points rank third-most all-time in a season opener by a Laker, and the most since Kobe Bryant (45 points) on Oct. 30, 2007 against the Houston Rockets. That was also in a losing effort as Bryant scored nearly half of the Lakers’ points in a 95-93 defeat.
A lot was made this past offseason about the body transformation Doncic made to get into the best shape of his life. That was evident against the Warriors as he was scoring with ease all night. Perhaps most notable was Luka’s ability to attack the paint as he shot 13-of-14 in the restricted area.
“Yeah, just attack the paint,” Doncic said of his mindset. “Sometimes they’re going to help and sometimes no, so I’ve just got to attack even more in the paint.”
While attacking the paint more was a point of emphasis for Doncic, he also noticed some other benefits of his new and improved condition.
“Probably just more attacking the paint,” Doncic said. “I think I’m getting better on the defensive end, I’m just trying to get more involved, more communication. But overall, 41 minutes, so I like that… Like I said, I was less tired and in better shape. So just trying to get a win.”
While dropping the first game of the season is never ideal, the play of Doncic was a silver lining for the Lakers as he looks like he’s poised for an MVP-caliber year in L.A.
Luka Doncic downplays groin injury after Lakers loss
Late in the Lakers’ loss to the Warriors, Luka Doncic appeared to hurt his groin. He was seen hobbling and massaging himself and then took more than an hour and a half to speak to the media after the game, likely getting treatment on the injury.
When he finally spoke to the media, Doncic downplayed the injury.
“It’s probably nothing,” he said. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”
Regardless of what Doncic said though, this will be something worth monitoring moving forward as the team is already without its other superstar in LeBron James.
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