Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors to a road win over the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night while the Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Houston Rockets on opening night.

First, the Thunder played a double-overtime thriller against the new-look Houston Rockets, holding on to win 125-124 in an instant classic. And in California, the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers lost their home opener 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors.

Tuesday's NBA nightcap tips off with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors. NBA season schedule, start time and where to watch.

That said, a 40-year-old LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opener against the Warriors. The four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champ is dealing with sciatica and is reportedly eying a mid-November return. James' early-season absence could set the stage for the beginning of a Dončić MVP campaign.

Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, pair him with 2-time NBA champion, former MVP originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with an opening doubleheader featuring the Thunder-Rockets and Lakers-Warriors. Here's the TV schedule and game times.