Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Use Code WWWC Golden State Warriors (0-0) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (0-0)
The 2025-26 NBA season tips off Tuesday, October 21, so we are breaking down the Pacific Division showdown from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, to get you the Warriors vs. Lakers prediction.
The Lakers will start the season without LeBron James, who’s dealing with a back issue and won’t be available until mid-November. On the other side, the Warriors cannot count on De’Anthony Melton (knee) and Moses Moody (calf).
Let’s take a closer look at this Warriors vs. Lakers prediction, one of our NHL picks for Tuesday’s card. The tip-off is set at 10:00 PM ET, and the Warriors are 2-point road favorites with a total of 224.5 points.
The Warriors lean on their veteran core
The Golden State Warriors went 48-34 this past regular season, finishing third in the Pacific Division and seventh in the Western Conference. They beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in the Play-In Tournament. They eliminated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs in seven games before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the semis in five games. The Warriors beat the T-Wolves in Game 1 but lost Stephen Curry with a hamstring injury.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
Golden State ranked 15th in the league in adjusted offensive efficiency (115.0 points per 100 possessions) and seventh in adjusted defensive efficiency (111.7). Curry led the way with 24.5 points and 6.0 assists per game, while Jimmy Butler was tallying 17.9 points and 5.9 dimes per contest. Golden State acquired Butler midway through the season, and the Warriors have gone 28-15 SU since his arrival.
The Warriors didn’t make a lot of changes in the offseason. They acquired the 39-year-old center Al Horford, who spent the last four season with the Boston Celtics, where he won the championship in 2024. The Warriors lost center Kevon Looney, who signed with the New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent. Looney played 76 games last season, averaging 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in 15.0 minutes on the floor.
Golden State’s offense will continue to lean on Curry and Butler, but the Warriors also expect a lot from Jonathan Kuminga (15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG in 2024-25), Brandin Podziemski (11.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG), and Buddy Hield (11.1 PPG, 37.0 3P%). Draymond Green (9.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is still an elite defender, and Horford’s presence should fortify the Warriors’ D.
The Lakers look to improve in Luka Doncic’s first full season
The Los Angeles Lakers went 50-32 in 2024-25, finishing first in the Pacific Division and third in the crowded Western Conference. However, their 2025 playoff campaign was a huge disappointment. The Lakers suffered a first-round exit, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for 55.6 points per game in the postseason but didn’t get a lot of help from their teammates.
The Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, which sent Anthony Davis to Texas. Doncic was averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists across 28 regular-season games with the Lakers, while LeBron was tallying 24.4 points, 7.8 boards, and 8.2 assists a night. The Lakers were 12th in the NBA in adjusted offensive efficiency (115.9) and 16th in adjusted defensive efficiency (114.7).
In the offseason, the Lakers acquired three free agents – Deandre Ayton (14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG), Jake LaRavia (6.9 PPG, 3.9 PPG), and Marcus Smart (9.0 PPG, 3.2 APG). The Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith (7.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG), who joined the Houston Rockets.
Purple-and-Gold will continue to lean on Luka Doncic a lot, but it’s fair to say that Doncic has been a defensive liability throughout his career. Hereof, the Lakers signed Smart, who’s been one of the best perimeter defenders in the league for years. Ayton’s arrival will be a nice boost for the Lakers’ frontcourt, while Jarred Vanderbilt (4.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG) should replace LeBron in the starting lineup on opening night and play a significant role on the defensive end.
Warriors vs. Lakers Pick
Spread Pick for Warriors vs. Lakers
- Golden State Warriors -2.0 (5 units)
The Warriors met the Lakers twice in the preseason, with each team emerging victorious on the home court. Golden State beat Los Angeles 111-103, and the Lakers responded with a 126-116 victory. Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler played in front of the home fans but missed the clash in LA, while Luka Doncic didn’t suit up for the Lakers.
Their season opener should a close battle. Luka Doncic is arguably one of the best offensive players in the NBA, but LeBron James’ absence will be a big blow for the Lakers on both sides of the ball. I think that Golden State is a better defensive team than Los Angeles so that I will lay two points with the Warriors.
Over/Under Pick for Warriors vs. Lakers
- Over 224.5 (5 units)
The Warriors were second in the league in 3-point rate last season, while the Lakers ranked 14th in this category. The Lakers loved to get to the free-throw line and led the NBA in free-throw rate. Both teams were in the middle of the pack in 3-point percentage.
Hereof, I expect a high-scoring affair. The Warriors are full of dangerous 3-point shooters and love to push the ball in transition. Nine of the previous 10 encounters between the Warriors and the Lakers have gone over the total, and I will ride this betting trend.
Never Tried Winners and Whiners? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code DOLLAR
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
- Check out more NBA predictions
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
