Luka Donic expects a tough test against Steph Curry in the Lakers’ starting lineup

They remain two of the NBA’s biggest stars, and it’s must-see TV every time LeBron James and the Lakers face off against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers and Warriors will open the regular season against each other on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, but James will not play as he deals with a sciatic nerve injury in his right side.

However, the rivalry between the Lakers and the Warriors will be clear.

“Obviously, it’s exciting to go against Steph,” Lakers star Luka Donic said after Monday’s practice. “It’s going to be tough. I don’t know if it’s competitive, but it’s definitely an interesting game.”

When the Lakers and Warriors played on Christmas last season, James and Curry put on a show.

James had 31 points and 10 assists and Curry had 38 points in the Lakers’ win.

They proved once again that they can captivate sports fans.

“The Lakers were intense against the Warriors,” Lakers forward Roy Hachimura said. “We’ve always played a lot of tough games, like in the playoffs. So it will be [the same]. … So even with LeBron out, it’s going to be a great game. Of course, we have to compete and we try to get this rock [win]”

The James-Curry rivalry reached its peak from 2015-2018, when their teams met in the NBA Finals four consecutive years. James, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during those years, won just one championship against Curry.

Warriors star Stephen Curry shoots over Lakers’ Luka Donic during a game on April 3.

(Michael Owens/Getty Images)

“The Steph-LeBron rivalry, whatever you want to call it, the matchup has always been exciting — for every team they’re on and for the league itself,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I know we had some great games against these guys last year. It was really cool to be a part of it. I think when you’re the Lakers and you’re playing on national television compared to other teams, you’re usually playing against great teams and that’s what tomorrow is. I think it’s just the general excitement at the beginning of the year. I don’t know what else there is to it.”

With James out, Donic said there was “nothing in particular” he had to do extra.

“I’m just trying to win every game,” Donic said. “Obviously, it’s going to be difficult with LeBron out. But when he’s ready to come back, he’s going to help us a lot for sure.”

Doncic will have help from Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and the rest of the Lakers.

Curry will be assisted by longtime teammates Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.

But most eyes will be on Curry, who Donick respects greatly.

“Sure, as an opponent, obviously [it is] “He’s very hard to guard,” Donske said. He moves all the time. He can shoot from anywhere, so I feel like it’s tough but always exciting. It is very exciting to play against such a player.

etc.

Redick said James, who is expected to be out until November, did an “individual job” during practice on Monday. Redick said Lakers backup center Jackson Hayes (right wrist sprain) was “trending” to play Tuesday, as were Bronie James (ankle) and Maxi Kleber (quad).