LeBron, Doncic Lead Lakers to Blowout Win Over Warriors Without Curry

Lakers cruise to 129-101 victory as Curry sits out with knee injury

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:47am

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LeBron James and Luka Doncic combined for 48 points to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a commanding 129-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, who were without injured star Stephen Curry. Doncic led the way with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists, while James added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. The Lakers built an 18-point halftime lead and pulled away in the second half to cruise to the victory.

Why it matters

This was a statement win for the Lakers, who are fighting to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The Warriors have struggled without Curry, who has been sidelined since late January with a knee injury. The loss drops Golden State to 8th in the West, while the Lakers solidify their hold on 6th place.

The details

The Lakers seized control early, building an 18-point halftime lead behind 20 first-half points from James and 10 from Doncic. The Warriors, playing without Curry, couldn't keep pace as the Lakers erupted in the third quarter to blow the game open. Austin Reaves added 18 points for LA, while Gary Payton II led the Warriors with 12 points off the bench.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • Curry has been sidelined since January 30, when he played 25 minutes and scored 23 points in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, who is in his 21st NBA season and has won 4 NBA championships.

Luka Doncic

A 27-year-old All-Star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, who is in his 6th NBA season and has emerged as one of the league's premier young talents.

Stephen Curry

A 34-year-old 8-time All-Star and 3-time NBA champion who has been sidelined with a knee injury since late January.

Gary Payton II

A 30-year-old guard for the Golden State Warriors who provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.

Austin Reaves

A 24-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who chipped in 18 points in the win.

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What they’re saying

“Around All-Star Weekend, [Steph] had a setback. He was trying to get back and it pushed him back. I'm not sure when he'll be back but I do know that he wants to come back. He wants the chance to be in the playoffs.”

— Marc Spears, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Lakers will host the Sacramento Kings on the second night of a back-to-back on Sunday, while the Warriors will have a day off before hosting the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Lakers' depth and the Warriors' struggles without their superstar Curry. LeBron and Doncic proved to be too much for the shorthanded Warriors, delivering a statement win that keeps the Lakers in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.