# Lakers Target Warriors on Opening Night

> Lakers need three keys to beat Warriors on opening night.
- Title: Lakers Target Warriors on Opening Night | Shortify
- Summary: Lakers need three keys to beat Warriors on opening night. Lakers must limit turnovers, make Curry work for shots, and dominate rebounds to beat Warriors on…
- Keywords: lakers, warriors, nba, stephen curry, luka doncic, austin reaves, walker kessler, rebound, turnover, opening night, sports, Target
- Source: Los Angeles Lakers On SI — https://si.com/nba/lakers/onsi/3-keys-to-lakers-beating-warriors-on-opening-night
- Published: 2026-10-21T23:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lakers, warriors, nba, stephen curry, luka doncic, austin reaves, walker kessler, rebound, turnover, opening night, sports
## Opening Night Rivalry
The 2026-27 NBA season begins with Lakers facing Warriors on opening night for the second straight season.
## Second Straight Season
This is the second straight season the Lakers will face the Warriors on opening night, and the fourth time in the last six seasons.
## Lakers as Favorites
The Lakers enter their season opener as 6.5-point home favorites to beat the Warriors.
## Key to Victory
To beat the Warriors, Los Angeles will need to execute in several key areas with three critical keys to victory.
## Limit Turnovers
Lakers must limit turnovers, averaging 23-25 per game in preseason and 29 against Warriors in Las Vegas.
## Turnover Issue
Reaves committed seven turnovers leading the team, highlighting ball security concerns.
## Make Curry Work
Lakers must stop Stephen Curry from getting hot, as he can hurt opponents from anywhere on the court.
## Warriors Hobbled
Warriors have three core players ruled out with injuries: Podziemski (back), Porzingis (undisclosed), and Moody (knee).
## Rebound Strategy
Lakers need to dominate rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities and create extra possessions.
## Warriors' Weakness
Warriors have no player seven feet or taller, so Lakers must dominate the rebounding battle.
## Key takeaway

Lakers must limit turnovers, make Curry work for shots, and dominate rebounds to beat Warriors on opening night.