LeBron James missed his first opening day game in a long and successful career of 23 years, and the LA Lakers certainly missed him. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors’ charge as they won 119-109.
Steph got 23 points, as Butler led with 31 points. The Lakers only really had Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in their top form. Reaves ended the night with 26 points. But it was all Doncic for the Lakers. He went off for 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. But it was in vain.
Despite Luka’s LeBron-like heroics, the Warriors were too good for the Lakers in the end. LA surely could’ve benefited from LeBron James’ availability, as the Warriors showed their teamwork and looked ready for the season, while Lakers were rather flat-footed.
Former basketball player and analyst Jay Williams commented on opening day and gave a brutal review for the Lakers’ performance.
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“Out of the four teams that were playing last night, they [Lakers] were by far the worst,” he said. “Shoutout to OKC, shoutout to Golden State, shoutout to Houston for actually bringing the aggressiveness and the style of play where you see teams actually contending in the Western Conference.
“The Lakers are not a championship team and I think it is okay to say that. Watching them last night, they were a mediocre team. Offence is decent, their defence is horrific.”
Williams continued:
“Luka was definitely incredible last night. Attacking down hill, energy levels on par, conditioning in the offseason, seems like he has handled that challenge well. When you get Luka and you take away a guy like Anthony Davis, he was the backbone of your defense, who can alter shots and guard the press up on the perimeter. He gave you a defensive mindset.”
Fans React to Jay Williams’ Review of Lakers’ Opening Day Performance
Fans did not seem to agree with Williams’ statements as they gave the benefit of doubt to the Lakers after the opening day loss.
“First game of the season BOOM THEY NOT CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS, bruh wait until all star weekend to talk about who can contend and who can’t,” one fan said.
“1st NBA szn overreaction already,” another fan commented.
“Game one of 82!” another replied.
“This is EXACTLY why I don’t watch these shows anymore. Can we get the 2nd best player on our team back first before we get written off? Can we have a chance to build a lil chemistry w/ our new guys? And BTW, we missed 10 FT’s. It’s a game if we knock a few more of those down. It’s the 1st game. Calm down!!!” one user claimed.
“First game of the season no LeBron new center give me a break,” another said.
Read more:
‘It Always Comeback to Him’: Former NBA Star Throws Shade at LeBron James Over Cooper Flagg Remarks
‘Will Feed the Nation’: Lakers Fans React As Adou Thiero Joins Luca Doncic, LeBron James and Co.
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