Warriors Outpace Lakers 89–84 in California Classic Opener
The California Classic tipped off with a closely contested summer‑league clash on July 5, 2025, as the Golden State Warriors edged out the Los Angeles Lakers 89–84 at San Francisco’s Chase Center
Game Summary
In a battle defined by balanced scoring and gritty plays, Golden State’s depth prevailed. All ten players who hit the court scored at least two points, reflecting a well-rounded offensive strategy The Lakers, meanwhile, leaned on standout performances in an otherwise tough outing.
Starters and Key Contributors
Golden State Warriors
- Jackson Rowe: Tied for team‑high points with 13, showcasing a confident touch from mid‑range (
- Isaiah Mobley: Also matched 13 points, pulling down crucial rebounds and contributing defensively
- Taran Armstrong: The Aussie guard managed a near double‑double with 7 points and 6 assists in 25 minutes, anchoring the offense (as.com).
- Other scorers also chipped in, leaving no single “go‑to” scorer but a collective effort that paid off.
Los Angeles Lakers
- Cole Swider: Led the team with 24 points, including six made 3‑pointers—a sharp shooter who kept L.A. in the run (as.com).
- D.J. Steward: Added 20 points and 5 assists, orchestrating the offense and attacking the rim with purpose
- Dalton Knecht: The sophomore struggled, shooting just 3‑of‑13 overall and missing all six attempts from deep. Still, he recorded 10 points, along with 4 rebounds and a pair of steals
Bottom Line & Momentum
Golden State’s victory underscored their summer‑league depth: a roster with no weak links and players ready to contribute defensively and on the scoreboard. In contrast, the Lakers relied heavily on hot hands from Swider and Steward, but lack of bench production proved costly.
The tight final score—just a five‑point margin—belied a game tilting toward the Warriors. Their ability to spread scoring across the roster prevented the Lakers from keying in on individual threats.
What to Watch Next
- Warriors: Will continue their California Classic schedule with matchups on July 6 vs. Miami and July 8 vs. San Antonio (as.com).
- Lakers: Also facing off against Miami and San Antonio on the same dates, they’ll be looking to find consistency beyond standout performances.
Both teams will aim to sharpen rotation chemistry, defensive schemes, and question marks around shooting efficiency. For Golden State, cohesion and diverse scoring are solid foundations. For Los Angeles, reliable outside shooting and secondary contributions will be vital.
Player Takeaways
| Player | Team | Notable Performances & Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Rowe | Warriors | 13 Pts – showcased scoring versatility; likely to earn extended Summer‑League minutes. |
| Isaiah Mobley | Warriors | 13 Pts – solid rebounder and interior presence; could push for two‑way contract re‑evaluation. |
| Taran Armstrong | Warriors | 7Pts/6Ast – floor‑general strengths could make him key in future summer rotation. |
| Cole Swider | Lakers | 24 Pts/6 3PT – Legitimate shooter; strong candidate for practice‑squad or partially guaranteed deal. |
| D.J. Steward | Lakers | 20 Pts/5 Ast – Play‑making prowess noticed; potential vet‑min roster upside if sustained. |
| Dalton Knecht | Lakers | 10 Pts, Sub‑30% FG – Showed flashes but needs improved shot selection and confidence. |
Context and Importance
The summer league is less about wins and losses and more about evaluating individual talent and team chemistry. For Golden State, demonstrating bench strength and rotational harmony bodes well ahead of Las Vegas’ marquee tournament. For Los Angeles, structural identity and consistency have to emerge fast if they plan to compete with d‑league and fringe‑NBA talent.
Final Word
In a game where neither side dominated completely, the Warriors edged ahead thanks to shared production and a controlled approach. The Lakers, on the other hand, were buoyed by two hot scorers but lacked depth support. As both teams head into games against Miami and San Antonio, maintaining momentum—Golden State through depth, Los Angeles through steadier contributions—is the story to track.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into individual stats, player bios, or video highlights from the game!
