The Los Angeles Lakers’ meeting with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday in Las Vegas is more than a routine preseason game. With the season opener against Golden State only nine days away, this fourth game of the preseason feels like a useful preview of what is coming next.
For the Lakers, the result matters less than the process. They were outplayed and blown out by the Warriors last week, but they responded well in a recent win over the Sacramento Kings, and JJ Redick said the roster “actually fits together” after another encouraging display.
Why this rematch matters
That is the key point for the Lakers at this stage. Preseason is about finding rhythm, building habits and seeing whether a new group can function under real pressure, even if the stakes are still a little lower than they will be once the regular season begins.
The turnover in the roster has been significant this offseason, so every game is offering Redick a chance to learn something about combinations, spacing and how quickly the new pieces can settle. The Warriors provide a sharp test because the first meeting showed how uncomfortable the Lakers can look when they are not fully organised.
Dončić sets the standard
One encouraging sign has been Luka Dončić, who scored 23 points in 25 minutes in the win over Sacramento. That kind of output is a reminder of how much the Lakers can lean on him, even in a preseason setting.
More importantly, it suggests the Lakers are already starting to see the value of their new structure. If Dončić is finding rhythm quickly and the team looks more connected around him, then Tuesday’s game becomes less about the scoreboard and more about whether that progress can hold against a familiar opponent.
What comes next
After this trip to Las Vegas, the Lakers will return for their first home preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Then, before long, the focus shifts sharply, because their season opener will also be against Golden State.
That is why Tuesday carries added weight. It is preseason, but it is also a clear dress rehearsal for a matchup that will matter far more once the games start counting for real.
