LOS ANGELES, 08 February 2026 – The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors renewed their storied rivalry on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, in a matchup that featured a significantly altered landscape following a frantic NBA trade deadline. While the contest was billed as another chapter in the LeBron James vs Stephen Curry saga, both superstars entered the weekend managing injuries, leaving the spotlight for the supporting casts and newly acquired talent.
Match Summary: Lakers vs Warriors (7 February 2026)
The Lakers hosted the Warriors on Saturday, 7 February 2026, in a game defined by high-profile absences and debut performances. The Warriors entered the contest without Stephen Curry, who has been managing a knee injury that recently limited his minutes. Similarly, the Lakers were without superstar Luka Dončić, who joined the team earlier in the season but is currently sidelined ahead of the All-Star break.
The game served as the debut for Kristaps Porzingis in a Warriors uniform. Golden State acquired the 7’2″ big man at the trade deadline in a blockbuster deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite the roster shake-up, the Lakers maintained a steady lead through the first half, led by strong interior play from Rui Hachimura.
Player Performance and Key Stats
Early highlights from the Saturday night clash showed a balanced effort from both sides. Gary Payton II provided a spark for the Warriors’ defence and transition game, while the Lakers relied on their depth to counter the Warriors’ new-look frontcourt.
| Player | Team | Key Stat (Live Update) | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rui Hachimura | Lakers | Team-high (Early) | Led Lakers scoring in the 1st half. |
| Gary Payton II | Warriors | Team-high (Early) | Led Warriors scoring in the 1st half. |
| Kristaps Porzingis | Warriors | Debut | Acquired via trade from Atlanta on 4 Feb. |
| Jimmy Butler III | Warriors | Season Leader | Scored 31 points in the previous season opener vs Lakers. |
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | DNP – Injury | Managing a knee injury; averaging 27.2 PPG this season. |
| Luka Dončić | Lakers | DNP – Injury | Averaging 32.8 PPG and 8.6 APG this season. |
Historical Head-to-Head: LeBron James vs Stephen Curry
While injuries impacted the most recent meeting, the historical data between the two icons remains the gold standard for NBA rivalries. Over their careers, Curry and James have faced off 56 times across the regular season and playoffs.
| Category | Stephen Curry | LeBron James |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins (Head-to-Head) | 30 | 26 |
| Regular Season Record | 12 | 12 |
| Playoff Record | 17 | 11 |
| Playoff PPG (Head-to-Head) | N/A | 31.3 |
| Playoff RPG (Head-to-Head) | N/A | 10.9 |
| Playoff APG (Head-to-Head) | N/A | 8.5 |
Recent Trade Deadline Impact
The 2026 trade deadline, which passed on Thursday, 5 February, has fundamentally shifted the chemistry of both rosters. The Golden State Warriors made the most significant move by trading away young star Jonathan Kuminga and veteran Buddy Hield to secure Kristaps Porzingis. This move signals a “win-now” push to maximise the remaining years of the Curry-Green-Butler core. The Lakers, meanwhile, continue to build around the duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, though both are currently focused on returning to full health for the post-All-Star stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Lakers vs Warriors game on 7 February 2026?
The game was a closely contested battle at Crypto.com Arena. While the Lakers led early behind Rui Hachimura, the Warriors’ new acquisition Kristaps Porzingis and veteran Gary Payton II kept the game within reach through the third quarter.
Why didn’t Stephen Curry and Luka Dončić play?
Both players are dealing with minor injuries ahead of the All-Star break. Curry is recovering from a knee injury sustained in late January, while Dončić is being rested to ensure he is fit for the Lakers’ late-season surge.
What was the big Warriors trade?
On 4 February 2026, the Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. The move was designed to add size and rim protection to the Golden State roster.
What is the career record between LeBron James and Stephen Curry?
As of February 2026, Stephen Curry holds a 30-26 lead over LeBron James in total head-to-head matchups, largely bolstered by a 17-11 record in the NBA Playoffs. In regular-season play, the pair are deadlocked at 12-12.