The Daily Star Ireland
On October 13, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, in an NBA preseason matchup that tips off around 6:30 pm PT (9:30 pm ET). With the regular season looming, both squads will use this night to test lineups, assess health, and sharpen chemistry.
For the Lakers, it’s a chance to adjust without LeBron James and with Luka Dončić still ramping back; for the Warriors, it’s an opportunity to integrate new pieces and manage veteran minutes.
Lakers Preview
Coaching & Philosophy
Under JJ Redick, the Lakers are seeking to blend high-level shot creation (via Luka Dončić) with role players who can defend, space the floor, and produce in crunch moments. Redick favors movement, off-ball screens, and guard cuts rather than constant isolation. Defensively, the Lakers will mix drop coverage, help rotations, and switch when advantageous. The challenge will lie in consistency, especially with key absences early.
Tactical Breakdown
- Offense: The Lakers will likely run pick-and-rolls (Dončić as the initiator), off-screen actions, and secondary motion to generate open shots. With LeBron sidelined, Dončić must carry more load early. The offense may slow down to allow reads rather than pushing in chaotic transitions.
- Defense: Expect a base of man-to-man defense, occasional switching, and active help gaps. Against Golden State, containing perimeter shooters and denying easy drives will be critical. Interior protection will rely on Ayton and any big rotations.
- Rotation & Bench: Preseason gives Redick space to experiment. Bench minutes will matter—young wings, backup guards, and stretch bigs must show they can contribute. In late stretches, Redick will want to see which lineups can close under pressure.
- Late-game Adjustments: Redick may stagger star minutes, shift defenders depending on matchups, or go small/big depending on what works. He’ll test closing combinations even in this preseason context.
Injuries & Selection Dilemmas
- LeBron James is out for at least 3–4 weeks with sciatica, missing early season games.
- Luka Dončić is a game-time decision; he’s reportedly being managed carefully after returning from EuroBasket.
- Austin Reaves is expected to miss this game.
- Adou Thiero remains in uncertain status, contributing in limited fashion as recovery continues.
Given these absences, the Lakers must lean on Dončić (if available), Ayton, and bench contributors to carry both ends. With fewer stars available, chemistry and decision-making from role players will be under spotlight.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths: Offensive flexibility with Dončić, defensive potential in rotation depth, and the chance to discover reliable secondary contributors.
- Weaknesses: Lack of star depth early, adjustment time needed for new combinations, and potential mismatches inside if Ayton is overburdened. Without LeBron, rebounding and finishing around the rim may suffer.
Against Golden State, Los Angeles will try to force the Warriors to defend aggressively, test their defensive rotations, and use mismatches in the pick-and-roll or post when possible.
Warriors Preview
Coaching & Philosophy
Led by Steve Kerr, the Warriors remain anchored by ball movement, spacing, and shooting. They’ll run modern motion sets, off-screen actions, and use their core of perimeter threats to punish defensive rotations. Kerr is likely to manage minutes for veterans in this game, giving bench players meaningful reps and testing new lineups.
Tactical Breakdown
- Offense: Expect fluid offense with screening, cutting, dribble handoffs, and spacing. The Warriors will try to get Curry (if available) into rhythm, but in his absence rely on Podziemski, Kuminga, and others to step up.
- Defense: Golden State will mix switching and drop coverage, with rim protection from their bigs and help-side rotation. Perimeter defense must be active against Dončić and any Lakers cutters.
- Rotation & Bench: The Warriors likely will rest or limit minutes of veterans (Curry, Butler, Green, Horford) and give their younger wings and bench bigs run. That gives insight into depth before the regular season.
- Adjustments: Kerr may alter defensive coverage midgame (switching vs drop), shuffle rotations depending on matchups, and test small lineups or two-big lineups depending on what gives advantage.
Injuries & Availability
- Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Moses Moody are reportedly out for this game.
- Moody has a calf issue undergoing MRI.
- Butler is absent due to a non-disclosed “positive reason.”
- Curry is “banged up” and being managed.
- Horford is also being rested or managed.
- These absences will push the Warriors to lean on depth and younger players.
- With Curry and Butler out, key offensive load will shift to Podziemski, Kuminga, Hield, and others.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths: System coherence, bench opportunities, depth potential, established culture, and ability to rotate in quality players.
- Weaknesses: Lack of star firepower this game, potential inconsistencies in rotation defense, and reliance on untested lineups. Without Curry and Butler, shot creation becomes harder.
Facing the Lakers, Golden State must stay disciplined on defense, move the ball, force mismatches, and limit turnovers. They will try to exploit any sloppy spacing or miscommunication by the Lakers.
Rivalry & Head-to-Head Context
The Lakers–Warriors rivalry is storied and deep. They last met in the 2024–25 season, with the Warriors winning a regular-season game 123–116. Over the decades, the Lakers hold the overall edge in the series. Given the familiarity between these franchises and their styles, every matchup—even preseason—carries narrative weight.
Recent Signals & Momentum
- In their first preseason meeting, Golden State defeated the Lakers 111–103.
- The Lakers have been missing multiple key players (James, Dončić, Reaves) across their preseason outings, putting additional stress on role rotations.
- Warriors are managing stars cautiously and giving exposure to younger players, which may cause uneven stretches.
These early signs suggest Golden State may be better positioned in terms of routine and depth in this specific matchup, while the Lakers will be less cohesive but motivated.
Key Players to Watch
Lakers
- Luka Dončić: If he plays, he must shoulder creative and scoring responsibility. His ability to set tempo, drive, and find teammates will make or break LA’s performance.
- Deandre Ayton: He becomes more critical as a rebounder, rim protector, and interior presence with fewer stars on the floor.
- Jarred Vanderbilt / Gabe Vincent / bench contributors: Their defensive effort, shot-making, and decision-making will influence momentum.
Warriors
- Brandin Podziemski: Without Curry and Butler, expect Podziemski to assume more offensive load and show leadership.
- Jonathan Kuminga / Buddy Hield: Their ability to score, move off the ball, and hit open shots will be important.
- Bench bigs / rotation wings: With absences, younger players have a chance to show value; their defense and spacing will be tested.
The duel between Dončić and Podziemski (if both active) is intriguing. Also, how Ayton handles interior matchups without strong supplementary bigs will matter.
What to Watch Live
- Offensive rhythm: How quickly the Lakers execute sets vs how Warriors respond with cuts and spacing
- Defensive coverages: Whether either side leans into switching or sticky drop coverage
- Bench impact: Likely decisive in this game given star absences
- Turnover control: With less cohesion, miscues could swing momentum
- Closing lineups: Even in preseason, the lineups used late give clues to rotation plans
Broadcast / Viewing
This matchup, being part of the preseason slate, likely airs on local/regional networks and NBA preseason streams. Exact broadcast depends on your region; I can check if you let me know where you are.
Betting Insight & Markets
- Moneyline / Spread: Warriors may be slight favorites given healthier roster (relatively) or more stable rotations. But with stars out, the line may be volatile.
- Over / Under: Match likely leans higher given expected defensive lapses, lineup shuffles, and transitional play.
- Player Props: Podziemski over on points, Ayton rebounds or blocks, Dončić (if active) points or assists lines are worth watching.
- Angle: In this star-light setting, bench and role players may overperform or be underpriced. Over is a tempting angle if both teams open aggressively.
Betting verdict: Expect an open game; slight lean toward Warriors given their deeper tested rotation. Over is a reasonable angle.
Prediction
We favor a Golden State Warriors win in this preseason matchup, given their roster depth and organizational readiness despite missing stars. Projected score: Warriors 116 – Lakers 110.
X-factor: How well Brandin Podziemski and the Warriors’ second unit can respond without Curry or Butler. If they assert control and keep momentum, the gap widens; if they struggle, the Lakers could upset.
This Lakers vs Warriors preview expects a competitive, entertaining battle, with Golden State edging it under depth and cohesion.
