Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Oct. 21 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Golden State Warriors and LA Lakers will square off in a blockbuster NBA regular-season game at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Dubs enter a fresh season with the intention to maximize Steph Curry's era and make another run at a title with savvy veterans leading the franchise's charge.

The Lakers, too, have high expectations and excitement in "Laker land" is palpable, particularly because the team will have its first full season with Luka Doncic. LeBron James, who is injured and will miss significant time to begin the season, no longer holds the key to the franchise. The honor and the pressure that come with being a poster boy of the Lakers now rest on Doncic's head.

The Purple and Gold's preseason didn't go as coach JJ Redick would have liked. The team lost five of its six games, and the only victory came against the Warriors. The Lakers will be desperate to hit their stride early and emulate the start they enjoyed last season, winning the first three games.

On the contrary, the Warriors wrapped up their five-game preseason with three wins. Steph Curry looked as sharp as ever, proving he hasn’t lost a step and remains fully driven to bring more glory to the Bay Area.

Golden State Warriors vs. LA Lakers Injury Reports

Golden State Warriors injury report

The Warriors will be without Moses Moody, De'Anthony Melton and Alex Toohey for the opening night game. Moddy is dealing with a calf issue, while both Melton and Toohey are out with knee injuries. Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) are both probable to play.

LA Lakers injury report

The Lakers have three players on the injury report. LeBron James (right sciatica) and Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) are both out. Maxi Kleber is questionable with an abdominal muscle strain

Golden State Warriors vs. LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts

Golden State Warriors starting lineup

The Warriors are expected to start big with Moses Moody out. Steph Curry will be the team's floor general, and Brandin Podziemski will partner with him in the backcourt. Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green will be on the wing, while Jonathan Kuminga will receive his first start of the year.

PG	Steph Curry	Pat Spencer
SG	Brandin Podziemski	Buddy Hield
SF	Will Richard	Gui Santos	Gary Payton II
PF	Draymond Green	Jonathan Kuminga
C	Al Horford	Quentin Post	Trayce Jackson-Davis

LA Lakers starting lineup

JJ Redick confirmed the Lakers' starting lineup when he announced the lineup for the team's final preseason game. Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton will start the game on opening night.

PG	Luka Doncic	Gabe Vincent
SG	Austin Reaves	Dalton Knecht	Nick Smith Jr.
SF	Jarred Vanderbilt	Marcus Smart
PF	Rui Hachimura	Jake LaRavia
C	Deandre Ayton	Jaxson Hayes	Christian Koloko