The Warriors ended up mounting a 23-9 run to start the third quarter, and Luka Doncic was the only Lakers player to score during that stretch before Marcus Smart finally hit a free throw to end their dry spell. The Warriors have got a 78-64 lead now with 5:29 left in the period.

Tuesday's NBA nightcap tips off with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors. NBA season schedule, start time and where to watch.

Luka Doncic leads the Los Angeles Lakers against Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and the Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Golden State Warriors have opened the 2025-26 NBA season with a 119-109 win on the road over the Los Angeles Lakers. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 31 points, 16 of which came from a perfect free-throw shooting performance, while Steph Curry added 23 points.

That said, a 40-year-old LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opener against the Warriors. The four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champ is dealing with sciatica and is reportedly eying a mid-November return. James' early-season absence could set the stage for the beginning of a Dončić MVP campaign.

It's Lakers vs Suns on Oct. 3 in the NBA. Here's how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.