The Golden State Warriors opened their preseason schedule in emphatic fashion, cruising past the Los Angeles Lakers 124-98 at Chase Center. While the result was only part of the story in one of the early NBA preseason games, Golden State’s sharp shooting and balanced offense stood out.
The Lakers vs Warriors matchup also featured a memorable pregame moment from Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who paid tribute to Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson in a unique way.
Steve Kerr Pays Tribute to Don Nelson
Before the Warriors game, Kerr walked into his pregame press conference holding a cold Bud Light as a tribute to Don Nelson, the legendary coach who helped shape the Warriors’ identity during his time in the Bay Area.
Nelson, widely known as “Nellie,” was famous for his love of having a cold beer after games and press conferences. Kerr’s gesture served as a personal tribute before Golden State began its home preseason campaign.
The Warriors then produced the kind of fast-paced offensive performance that would have suited Nelson’s basketball philosophy.
Yaxel Lendeborg Leads Golden State’s Bench
One of the biggest takeaways from the warriors vs lakers contest was the performance of rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg.
Lendeborg finished with a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds, providing an immediate spark for Golden State’s second unit. His production was especially encouraging as the Warriors continue evaluating their roster during the preseason.
Stephen Curry also made his limited minutes count. The superstar guard scored 16 points, added five assists and knocked down three 3-pointers in only 14 minutes.
Brandin Podziemski matched Curry with 16 points, while Draymond Green helped control the offense with eight assists in 15 minutes.
Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
The lakers vs golden state warriors match player stats highlighted the difference between the two teams on the night.
For Golden State, Curry scored 16 points with five assists, while Lendeborg led the team with 17 points and nine rebounds. Podziemski also contributed 16 points, and Green recorded eight assists.
The Lakers struggled offensively without several regular starters available. Sandro Mamukelashvili led Los Angeles with 15 points, while Jaden Hardy added 13 points. Bronny James finished with four points and five assists.
Key Player Performances
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Yaxel Lendeborg | Warriors | 17 points, 9 rebounds |
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | 16 points, 5 assists, 3 threes |
| Brandin Podziemski | Warriors | 16 points |
| Draymond Green | Warriors | 8 assists |
| Sandro Mamukelashvili | Lakers | 15 points |
| Jaden Hardy | Lakers | 13 points |
| Bronny James | Lakers | 4 points, 5 assists |
Warriors Shooting Powers Blowout Victory
The GSW offense was highly efficient throughout the game. Golden State shot 51.2% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range, making 15 shots from beyond the arc.
That perimeter efficiency helped the Warriors establish control and maintain their advantage as the game progressed.
The final 124-98 scoreline reflected Golden State’s offensive rhythm, while Los Angeles struggled to keep up with the Warriors’ ball movement and shooting.
What the Lakers vs Warriors Game Means
Because this was one of the NBA preseason games, the result should not be treated as a preview of the regular-season standings. Teams typically use preseason contests to evaluate rotations, young players and different lineups.
For Golden State, however, the performances of players such as Lendeborg and Podziemski provided positive signs. Curry and Green also looked effective despite their limited workloads.
For the Lakers, the absence of several regular starters made the result less significant. Young players and roster hopefuls will have more opportunities to make their case as the preseason continues.
Warriors Look Ahead
The warriors have started their preseason with an impressive offensive display, combining veteran leadership with contributions from younger players. Lendeborg’s 17-point, nine-rebound performance was particularly notable and gives Golden State another storyline to monitor.
Meanwhile, the lakers game showed how different preseason rotations can dramatically influence the outcome. With the regular season still ahead, both teams have time to make adjustments.
For GSW, the 124-98 victory was ultimately a strong opening statement — and a fitting tribute to Don Nelson, whose influence on Warriors basketball remains part of the franchise’s history.
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