Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic makes unwanted history in Lakers season opener

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 8:08 AM ET

Luka Doncic was nearly flawless in the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 63 percent shooting from the floor.

The Slovenian became only the third Laker to record over 40 points in a season opener, joining Kobe Bryant (2007) and Elgin Baylor (1959). Yet, the Lakers lost, 119-109, to their Pacific Division rivals.

Luka Doncic makes unwanted history

The double-digit defeat meant Doncic became the first player ever to lose a season opener despite posting a 40-point double-double.

The Lakers essentially lost the game in the third quarter, as they were outscored 35-25 after trailing by just one at halftime. In the final period, Doncic and Co. made a late push, cutting the deficit to six with 3:59 left. However, their poor defensive rotations cost them dearly, as Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III got to the rim with ease, setting up their teammates for easy looks. Butler had two assists and four points in the final 3:34, including a trip to the free-throw line.

Luka Dončić is the first player in NBA history to open a season with a 40-point double-double but lose by double digits. pic.twitter.com/B6MLTaH8NZ
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 22, 2025

Luka Doncic not worried about loss

With LeBron James expected to be sidelined until mid-November, the Lakers could quickly get buried in the standings in a ruthless Western Conference. Furthermore, their offseason signings, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, appeared out of sync in the season opener. Despite the obvious red flags, Doncic has the utmost faith in his squad.

"Obviously, we want to win every game, but my confidence level is good," Doncic said, via Spectrum SportsNet. "There were a lot of positive things tonight, and obviously a lot of things we need to work on, especially the third quarter. But my confidence is fine."

The Lakers will next host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in a rematch of last season's playoff series. JJ Redick's team will be eager to avenge their 4-1 loss to the Timberwolves, but based on their opening-night performance, it might be easier said than done.

Luka lit it up in his 1st @Lakers opening night:

43 PTS (career-high for a season opener)
12 REB
9 AST
2 STL
1 BLK

Dončić joins Kobe Bryant (2007) and Elgin Baylor (1959) as the only Lakers to record 40+ PTS in a season opener pic.twitter.com/yP3lef4lnP
— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2025

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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