Steve Kerr Details Challenge of Facing Luka Doncic Before Warriors-Lakers

The Golden State Warriors are traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers for their 2025-26 NBA Opening Night matchup on Tuesday, setting up an incredible game to kick off the new season.

Unfortunately, Lakers superstar LeBron James will be sidelined for Tuesday’s matchup, but Los Angeles still has plenty of firepower to be dangerous without him. At last season’s trade deadline, the Lakers acquired superstar guard Luka Doncic to be their next franchise cornerstone, and much of the league is monitoring how great he is expected to be for Los Angeles this season.

Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

/ Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Doncic turned heads this offseason for getting in incredible shape ahead of the 2025-26 season, and his performance at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament while representing Slovenia certainly opened the eyes of many fans heading into the new NBA season.

Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with the Lakers, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked about Doncic’s improved frame, and he answered by detailing the impact that the superstar guard has on the game.

“He looks like he’s in good shape, but he’s the same player,” Kerr said. “He’s been the same player since the moment he stepped on the court years ago. Unstoppable force with his pace, his strength, the way he shoots the ball behind his head, the step-backs. You can’t get there to challenge that shot. The way he is a constant lob threat with his centers. Pick-and-roll threat. He’s gotten better and better as a shooter. I mean, He’s a brilliant player.”

Doncic, 26, is obviously an unbelievable player and has been since entering the league in 2018. Doncic made history by making the All-NBA First Team in five consecutive seasons following his rookie year, and his impressive streak ended last season only because he missed 32 games.

— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2025With Doncic healthy and in great shape, the league is in trouble, and the Warriors are the first team to face that challenge. Tuesday’s Opening Night matchup is a fantastic opportunity for the Warriors to show what they are capable of, and picking up a win over Doncic and company on the road would be a huge statement.

Of course, Golden State’s focus will be on slowing down Doncic as much as possible, and if they are able to contain the superstar guard, then they could undoubtedly walk out of Crypto.com Arena with a win.

The Lakers and Warriors are set to tip-off in Los Angeles at 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.