Lakers let 25-point lead vanish in NBA Cup loss

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers blew a 25-point lead and lost 112-95 to the Golden State Warriors in their first NBA Cup game, despite Luka Doncic’s 37-point effort. The loss highlighted the Lakers’ turnover problems and offensive struggles late in the game, allowing the Warriors, led by Stephen Curry’s 31 points, to stage a decisive comeback.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Los Angeles Lakers squandered a commanding 25-point lead and fell to the Golden State Warriors 112-95 on Friday night at Chase Center in the first NBA Cup game for both teams.

Luka Doncic opened the game in dominant fashion, scoring 21 points in the first quarter to help the Lakers jump out to a 40-15 advantage early in the second quarter. However, the Lakers’ offense stalled significantly as the game progressed, particularly in the second half. After building their sizable lead, the Lakers were outscored 38-15 in the second quarter and saw their advantage evaporate to a 53-53 tie by halftime.

The Lakers managed only 15 points in the fourth quarter while allowing the Warriors 27 points. It took over four minutes for Los Angeles to score their first points of the final period, a stark indicator of their offensive struggles down the stretch. The Warriors capitalized on the Lakers’ offensive inefficiency, pulling ahead decisively in the fourth quarter and securing the win.

Doncic finished with 37 points, shooting 12 for 27 from the field, despite a technical foul late in the third quarter. Austin Reaves added 21 points but struggled from beyond the arc, converting just one of six attempts. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry led the way with 31 points on 11-for-23 shooting and went eight for 14 from three-point range.

Turnovers proved to be a critical factor in the Lakers’ collapse. They committed 22 turnovers—well above their season average of 16.6 per game and among the highest in the NBA—leading to numerous fast-break opportunities for the Warriors. The team’s inability to protect the ball and generate consistent offense in the fourth quarter underscored their struggles.

The game featured intense moments of physicality and trash talk, notably between Doncic and Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. The two players exchanged verbal taunts dating back to their meeting last week, with Lendeborg previously stating he had “lost all respect” for Doncic. Early in Friday’s game, Doncic responded with a three-pointer over Lendeborg and visibly engaged the crowd in a display of confidence.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s resilience and involvement throughout games, noting that his strong responses to provocation are typical of his playing style.

The Lakers were without forward Ziaire Williams for the second consecutive game due to left foot soreness. Williams has been one of the team’s key defenders this season.

With the loss, the Lakers’ early promise faded as they displayed both flashes of offensive brilliance and troubling lapses in ball security and defensive intensity. The Warriors, led by Curry’s steady scoring and timely plays, seized the momentum to secure the comeback victory.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.