LOS ANGELES, 08 February 2026 – The storied rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors added another chapter on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, though the matchup was defined as much by the stars on the sidelines as those on the court. Both franchises entered the contest grappling with significant injury setbacks to their respective franchise cornerstones.
Injury Crisis Hits Both Sidelines
The highly anticipated clash was missing its usual lustre as both Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic (who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster move earlier this season) were ruled out. Curry continues to sidelined with right patellofemoral pain syndrome, while Doncic is managing a strained left hamstring suffered during Thursday’s game against Philadelphia.
The Warriors were also without Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles), Seth Curry (sciatica), and LJ Cryer (hamstring). The Lakers, meanwhile, had to navigate the absence of Adou Thiero and Jimmy Butler III, the latter of whom is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.
Head-to-Head Comparison: 2025-26 Season
Despite the recent injury woes, the Lakers have maintained a stronger position in the Western Conference standings throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Below is the statistical breakdown of the two teams as of early February 2026.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win % | Home Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 31 | 19 | .620 | 13-8 |
| Golden State Warriors | 28 | 24 | .538 | 17-9 |
Historical Context and Rivalry
The Lakers and Warriors share one of the most prolific histories in NBA basketball. All-time, the Lakers hold a significant advantage in the regular season, having won 265 of the 443 games played between the two franchises. The rivalry reached a historic peak on 19 March 1972, when the Lakers set a franchise record by scoring 162 points against the Warriors.
In recent years, the dynamic has shifted toward a battle of modern superstars. The addition of Luka Doncic to the Lakers’ roster alongside LeBron James has created a new “win-now” window for Los Angeles, while the Warriors continue to build around the veteran core of Curry and Draymond Green, supplemented by newer acquisitions like Porzingis.
Public Sentiment and Trade Fallout
Public discourse surrounding the Lakers has been dominated by the integration of Luka Doncic. While some fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed concern over the depth sacrificed to acquire the Slovenian star, others point to the “Mamba Mentality” and the necessity of pairing LeBron James with elite talent in the twilight of his career. Conversely, the Warriors’ recent struggles with health have led to questions regarding the longevity of their current championship window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Lakers vs. Warriors game?
As of 08 February 2026, both teams met on Saturday night (07 February). Both teams entered the game 1-0 since the trade deadline, with the Lakers playing at home at Crypto.com Arena.
Why is Luka Doncic playing for the Lakers?
Doncic was acquired by the Lakers to bolster their championship aspirations alongside LeBron James. Public insights suggest the Mavericks moved into a rebuilding phase around top draft prospects like Cooper Flagg, while the Lakers opted for an immediate “win-now” strategy.
What is the all-time record between the Lakers and Warriors?
The Los Angeles Lakers hold an all-time regular-season record of 265-178 against the Golden State Warriors.
When is the next game between these two teams?
The Lakers and Warriors are scheduled to meet again later this month, with a high-profile matchup slated for 28 February 2026.