💥 BREAKING: Lakers Stun Warriors with First Preseason Victory — Reaves Leads the Charge!
In a high-energy preseason showdown that felt more like playoff basketball than an October warm-up, the Los Angeles Lakers stunned the Golden State Warriors with a 126–116 victory Tuesday night at Chase Center. For a team still fine-tuning rotations and chemistry, the Lakers looked remarkably sharp — Austin Reaves stole the spotlight with 21 points, blending poise and precision in a performance that reminded everyone why he’s become one of L.A.’s most trusted weapons.
Behind him, Rui Hachimura poured in 16 points and Dalton Knecht, the rookie many fans were eager to see, delivered a breakout 16-point performance that lit up social media and had the Lakers bench on its feet. Deandre Ayton, newly integrated into the purple and gold lineup, was dominant inside — tallying 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists — while Gabe Vincent added 13 points and key defensive plays that helped set the game’s tempo early. The Lakers’ depth shined bright, with role players seamlessly stepping up and creating balance rarely seen in last year’s squad.
Head coach Darvin Ham praised his players’ energy and cohesion postgame, saying the win was about more than just numbers — it was about “identity.” “We’ve been preaching unselfish basketball, defensive commitment, and trust. What you saw tonight was a glimpse of what this group can become,” Ham said, beaming as his young core celebrated the first preseason triumph.
But the night truly belonged to Austin Reaves, whose composure and confidence have turned him from undrafted underdog to cornerstone of the franchise. His chemistry with Ayton and Hachimura was evident, as the trio combined for crisp passing, aggressive cuts, and fearless shooting that left the Warriors scrambling. “We’re building something special here — it’s not just about names, it’s about energy,” Reaves told reporters afterward, echoing the sentiment of a locker room that feels recharged and refocused heading into the season.
The Warriors, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm, with their veterans appearing sluggish and their defensive rotations exposed. For all of Stephen Curry’s flashes of brilliance, Golden State’s supporting cast looked a step slow against L.A.’s youthful intensity — a worrying sign for a franchise trying to prove its championship window hasn’t closed.
Yes, it’s “only preseason,” but this game felt symbolic — a glimpse of shifting power dynamics in the Western Conference. The Lakers’ blend of youth, defense, and chemistry appears to be taking form faster than expected, and their bench depth may finally be catching up to the league’s elite.
One thing is certain: the purple and gold aren’t just experimenting — they’re evolving. If Tuesday night’s performance is any indication, the Lakers’ message to the rest of the NBA is loud and clear… they’re not just showing up this season — they’re coming for everything.
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