Doncic nets 43 as shorthanded L.A. can't solve deeper Warriors

The Lakers were not whole for their season opener and that meant Luka Doncic had a heavier load to carry while LeBron James sat on the bench injured in this game against rivals Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

- BY BRODERICK TURNER

DEANDRE AYTON, who had 10 points in his Lakers debut, shoots over the Warriors' AI Horford.

So, the question is while James recovers from a sciatica injury on his right side, who will fill his void and help Doncic navigate the stretch while his running mate is out.

The Lakers didn’t get that complete answer Tuesday night, falling 119-109 to the Warriors at Crypto-.com Arena despite Doncic’s impressive performance of a near triple-double with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.

James is entering an NBA-record 23rd season, but it was the first time in his career that he has missed a season opener.

He sat on the end of the Lakers’ bench dressed in a double-breasted suit, cheering his teammates on, offering words of encouragement when necessary, knowing that was the only way he could help until he returns to the court in mid-November.