Kessler scores 26 on 12-for-12, Lakers beat Warriors
13 sourcesUpdated Oct 22, 20261 min read
The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2026-27 season with a 127-105 win over the Golden State Warriors, their first game since LeBron James left for Philadelphia. Walker Kessler made his Lakers debut with 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and nine rebounds; his perfect 12-shot performance was the second-best in Lakers history, behind Wilt Chamberlain. Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Austin Reaves added 23. The Lakers pulled away with dominant second and third quarters, and Doncic hit a half-court buzzer-beater to end the first half. Stephen Curry scored 23 for Golden State, which was without several injured players.
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Seeing those Wilt and Shaq numbers pop up for a debut guy puts real pressure on Kessler to keep it going all season.
Luka dropping 28 while Kessler added the boards and blocks made the win feel complete. Warriors just could not match the pace.
Kessler going 12 for 12 on his first game with the Lakers is wild. That kind of shooting can change how teams guard the paint.
