The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors meet for the final time in the 2025-26 regular season on Thursday. Los Angeles has a 2-1 lead in the season series after playing the last two games against a hobbled Warriors team, which was without Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and other key players.
They could be evenly matched on Thursday as the Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but have LeBron James in the lineup. Meanwhile, Steph Curry could play his third game since returning after a lengthy absence due to a runner’s knee injury. It could be the first time this season that James and Curry share the floor, which is among the main talking points leading up to this contest.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Game Details
Prime Video will provide coverage of the Lakers-Warriors game on Thursday. NBA League Pass will globally stream the contest online. The game will begin at 10:00 p.m. ET at Chase Center.
Lakers vs. Warriors Odds
Moneyline: Lakers +160, Warriors -192
Spread: Lakers +4.5 (-110), Warriors -4.5 (-110)
Total over/under: Lakers o225.5 (-110), Warriors u225.5 (-110)
Lakers vs. Warriors Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers have lost their last three games in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ absence. In their defeat on Tuesday against the OKC Thunder, they were also without LeBron James. Los Angeles competed well for 1.5 quarters and tied the game at 42-42 in the second against the defending champions.
However, Los Angeles scored only 45 points through the next 2.5 quarters. Rui Hachimura scored a team-high 15 points on 7 of 10 shots, while Luke Kennard added 10 points with nine assists. No one else made a sizeable impact, and the Lakers suffered an inevitable 123-87 loss against the league’s best team.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors, who are locked at No. 10 in the standings, snapped a four-game skid with a 110-105 win against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. De’Anthony Melton led with 21 points, Brandin Podziemski added 20 and Steph Curry finished with 17 off the bench in 25 minutes.
Golden State executed its offense to a tee, making 17 3-pointers on 38 attempts to secure the win.
The Lakers will see LeBron James return after a game’s absence, while Marcus Smart is listed as questionable after missing the last eight games. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes will remain sidelined. Meanwhile, the Warriors have listed Steph Curry, Charles Bassey and Gui Santos as questionable. Will Richard is doubtful, while Quinten Post, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis remain out.
Lakers vs. Warriors Lineups
Lakers
PG – Luke Kennard, SG – Marcus Smart*, SF – Jake LaRavia, PF – LeBron James, C – Deandre Ayton
Warriors
PG – Pat Spencer, SG – Brandin Podziemski, SF – De’Anthony Melton, PF – Malevy Leons, C – Draymond Green
Lakers vs. Warriors Prediction
Oddsmakers favor the Warriors to win by more than four points. The Lakers don’t look threatening without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have averaged between 50 and 60 points together this season. While LeBron James has been solid as a first option, the Lakers look glaringly weak when he’s off the floor.
