Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Luka Dončić Scores 43, but Lakers Fall to Warriors in Season Opener

LeBron James is expected to miss three to four weeks with sciatica, increasing Dončić’s workload.

Overview

  • Dončić tallied 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 17-of-27 shooting (2-of-10 from three, 7-of-10 free throws) in 41 minutes of a 119-109 loss to Golden State.
  • He posted a -8 plus-minus as Los Angeles struggled to score consistently outside of Austin Reaves, who finished with 26 points.
  • Deandre Ayton added 10 points and committed four turnovers as the supporting cast faltered offensively.
  • ESPN Stats & Info noted Dončić is the second player after Shaquille O’Neal with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a season opener, and the third Laker with 40-plus in an opener, joining Kobe Bryant and Elgin Baylor.
  • A Real Sports X post said he and Michael Jordan are the only guards to record 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a season-opening game.