Los Angeles earned its first preseason victory with a 126-116 decision over Golden State at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. The Lakers improved to 1-2, while the Warriors slipped to 2-1.
Neither Luka Doncic, nor LeBron James suited up for the hosts.
Golden State held a slim 32-30 edge after the first quarter. Brandin Podziemski scored 10 points with a layup and three, as the Warriors generated 14 paint points.
Austin Reaves countered for the Lakers with seven points, including a step-back three. Deandre Ayton added six points and three rebounds.
Los Angeles surged in the second, outscoring Golden State 33-22 to lead 63-54 at halftime. Reaves tallied 13 points total by the break with two threes.
Ayton reached 10 points with five rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga managed seven points for the Warriors.
The third quarter swung back to Golden State, who won 39-27 for a 93-90 lead. Podziemski erupted for 21 points overall, adding 11 in the frame with a three and layup.
Rui Hachimura scored 13 points for the Lakers. LeBron James sat out due to coach’s decision.
Los Angeles reclaimed control in the fourth with a 36-31 edge to secure the win. Dalton Knecht added 16 points off the bench, including three threes.
Reaves finished with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting and three assists in 23 minutes. Hachimura ended with 16 points and three threes.
Ayton recorded 14 points and eight rebounds. For Golden State, Podziemski led with 23 points and five rebounds.
Kuminga contributed 13 points with six assists. Stephen Curry did not play for the Warriors.
The Lakers scored 52 points in the paint to Golden State’s 64. Los Angeles converted 20 Warriors turnovers into 21 points.
