The NBA regular season hasn’t even tipped off yet, but the atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on October 13, 2025, feels like the playoffs have already begun.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, two of the most iconic franchises in basketball history, will clash once again — not just for a win, but for pride, rhythm, and early-season momentum.
📍 Venue & Context
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Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
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Tip-off: 7:30 PM (local time), October 13, 2025
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Type: Preseason Game
For the Lakers, this matchup marks their first home appearance of the preseason — an opportunity to test rotations as LeBron James continues to recover from sciatica.
For the Warriors, it’s a chance for head coach Steve Kerr to fine-tune his new tactical identity before the regular season begins.
👥 Projected Starting Lineups
Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry – The engine and emotional leader of the team.
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Klay Thompson – Looking to regain rhythm and confidence after an uneven 2024–25 campaign.
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Draymond Green – Defensive anchor and playmaking connector.
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Jonathan Kuminga – Poised for a breakout year as a two-way forward.
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Al Horford – The veteran addition expected to provide interior stability.
Steve Kerr is reportedly experimenting with a “small-ball 2.0” lineup built around pace, spacing, and relentless ball movement — a nod to the dynasty’s glory years.
Los Angeles Lakers
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Anthony Davis – Dominant in the paint when healthy; key to Lakers’ defense.
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Austin Reaves – Set to shoulder more scoring responsibility in LeBron’s absence.
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Rui Hachimura – Brings size, energy, and versatility at forward.
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D’Angelo Russell – Controls tempo and secondary playmaking.
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Gabe Vincent / Jaxson Hayes – Expected to rotate as situational starters.
With LeBron sidelined, head coach Darvin Ham will focus on testing rotations and chemistry rather than chasing the scoreboard.
📊 Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Lakers Wins | Warriors Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 10 Years | 22 | 16 | Lakers still lead overall |
| 2024–25 Regular Season | 3 | 1 | Lakers dominated behind Davis & Reaves |
| All-Time Playoffs | 28 | 13 | Lakers hold a historical edge |
However, the tide has shifted recently — the Warriors have won 3 of their last 5 meetings, signaling that Kerr’s younger core is gaining ground.
🔮 Game Outlook
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The Warriors will rely on their hallmark: speed, spacing, and Curry’s brilliance from deep. If their ball movement clicks, they can overwhelm the Lakers’ defense.
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The Lakers, meanwhile, will look to dominate inside with Davis and control the boards. Without LeBron, the question becomes: Who will take over in crunch time?
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Key battle: Warriors’ perimeter shooting vs. Lakers’ interior dominance.
📈 Predicted Win Probability:
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Warriors: 55%
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Lakers: 45%
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Projected Score: Warriors 114 – 108 Lakers
⚡ Final Take
This isn’t just a preseason matchup — it’s a statement game.
For the Lakers, it’s about proving they can compete without LeBron.
For the Warriors, it’s a chance to remind everyone that their dynasty DNA still runs deep.Even in October, when the stakes are “technically” low, Warriors vs Lakers always feels like something more — a collision of history, pride, and legacy.
And under the bright lights of Los Angeles, neither side will treat it as “just another preseason game.”
