The Los Angeles Lakers continued to build preseason momentum with an impressive home victory, defeating the Golden State Warriors 126–116 in front of an excited crowd. While the result may not count toward the regular season standings, it showcased the team’s growing chemistry and the emergence of several key contributors.
The star of the night was Austin Reaves, who looked in midseason form. Reaves scored 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists. His poise, control, and ability to create shots made him the engine of the Lakers’ offense. Even though his playing time was limited, Reaves made every minute count, attacking the rim, finding open teammates, and knocking down his free throws. His performance reminded everyone why the Lakers trust him in big moments.
There was a brief moment of concern when Reaves left the game after a minor knee collision with Brandin Podziemski, but team reports confirmed that the issue was not serious. The crowd exhaled as he walked back to the bench smiling — a good sign for Lakers fans hoping to see him healthy when the real games begin.
Rui Hachimura also had a solid outing, finishing with 16 points and three made three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor and play strong on both ends gives the Lakers an important weapon. Dalton Knecht, one of the team’s promising young players, matched Hachimura with 16 points and 3 rebounds, showing confidence and scoring ability beyond his years.
New big man Deandre Ayton contributed a well-rounded performance with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting an efficient 6-of-8 from the field. Ayton was active on both ends, setting screens, finishing plays, and facilitating from the high post. His unselfish playstyle fits well with the Lakers’ motion offense and could become a key part of their rotation.
On the Warriors’ side, Brandin Podziemski was a bright spot. The young guard scored 23 points, along with 8 assists and 5 rebounds, shooting 10-of-16 from the field. He showed confidence as a ball handler and playmaker, leading several runs that kept Golden State competitive. While the Warriors ultimately fell short, Podziemski’s performance gave fans a glimpse of his growing potential and readiness for a bigger role.
For the Lakers, the victory carried more meaning than just the scoreline. It highlighted their depth and balance, something the team has been working to strengthen under new adjustments ahead of the regular season. With multiple players reaching double figures, the offense looked fluid and unselfish. The bench showed energy and control, a positive sign for a team aiming for another deep playoff run.
Head coach JJ Redick emphasized effort and chemistry throughout the preseason, and this game reflected that approach. The players moved the ball, trusted each other, and executed in key moments. Even when the Warriors threatened late in the second half, the Lakers maintained composure and finished strong.
The preseason is often more about rhythm than results, but this matchup provided both. Reaves once again looked like a rising star ready to shoulder more responsibility, and supporting players like Hachimura, Knecht, and Ayton gave fans reasons for optimism.
Meanwhile, Podziemski’s performance for Golden State should not go unnoticed. He played with intensity, vision, and skill the kind of showing that could earn him more minutes when the regular season begins.
As the Lakers prepare for the final stretch of preseason play, this win was another step toward refining rotations and establishing confidence. If Reaves and company can carry this momentum forward, Los Angeles might enter the new season looking sharper and deeper than ever.
