Warriors Fall Short Against Lakers in 105-99 Loss

Moses Moody's 25-point effort not enough to overcome LeBron James and the Lakers

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The short-handed Golden State Warriors were unable to overcome the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, falling 105-99 despite a 25-point performance from Moses Moody. The Warriors struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 27% without the injured Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Jimmy Butler. LeBron James scored 12 of his 20 points in the third quarter to help the Lakers pull away, though the Warriors did manage to cut the deficit to one point in the fourth before ultimately falling short.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Warriors to 1-1 on their quick two-game road trip, as they continue to navigate injuries to key players. The team will return home for a pair of games before the All-Star break, facing the Grizzlies and Spurs in a crucial stretch for their playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The details

Through the first half, the Warriors and Lakers traded baskets in an ugly offensive battle, with the Warriors clinging to a one-point lead at the break. But in the third quarter, the Lakers took control, as LeBron James scored 12 of his 20 points to help Los Angeles outscore Golden State 38-29 in the frame. The Warriors were able to cut the deficit to one point in the fourth quarter, but couldn't complete the comeback, with Austin Reaves and the Lakers holding them off for the 105-99 victory.

  • The Warriors and Lakers traded baskets in an ugly offensive slugfest through the first half.
  • At halftime, the Warriors were able to cling to a one-point lead.
  • In the third quarter, the Lakers outscored the Warriors 38-29, with LeBron James scoring 12 of his 20 points in the frame.
  • The Warriors were able to shave the Lakers' lead down to just one point in the fourth quarter, but couldn't complete the comeback.

The players

Moses Moody

The Warriors' second-year guard scored a game-high 25 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 5 made 3-pointers.

LeBron James

The Lakers' superstar scored 20 points, 12 of which came in the pivotal third quarter.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' guard helped his team hold off the Warriors' late comeback effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to fight through these injuries and find ways to win games. Our depth will be tested, but I believe in this group.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach (Warriors Wire)

What’s next

The Warriors will return home for a pair of games before the All-Star break, hosting the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Despite a valiant effort from Moses Moody, the short-handed Warriors were unable to overcome the Lakers, highlighting the team's need to find ways to win without their injured stars. The upcoming home stretch before the All-Star break will be crucial as the Warriors look to solidify their playoff positioning in the West.