LAS VEGAS (Oct. 13, 2026) — The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 101-89 at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, delivering another showcase of NBA basketball in Las Vegas as fans, players and local entertainers celebrated the city’s growing sports culture and potential future as an NBA market.
Beyond the final score, the preseason matchup highlighted Las Vegas’ growing basketball culture, with fans discussing the game-day atmosphere, ticket prices and the possibility of the NBA eventually establishing a permanent presence in Southern Nevada.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed his team’s development, rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg discussed adjusting to the NBA, and longtime Las Vegas entertainer Criss Angel predicted the league would eventually come to the city.
Kerr emphasizes teamwork and Curry’s readiness
Following the victory, Kerr stressed that Golden State must maximize its current roster rather than focus on the players it lacks.
“This is the roster that we have. So we can sit here and say, ‘Well, too bad we don’t have this or too bad we don’t have that.’ I think we have enough to be a good team, but we have to do it together,” Kerr said.
Kerr also highlighted the importance of defensive communication, particularly when defending the pick-and-roll.
“Pick-and-roll defense is a five-man operation, and we weren’t connected,” he said.
With the regular season approaching, Kerr provided an update on Stephen Curry’s physical condition, saying the Warriors have deliberately increased his workload gradually.
“He’s not where he ultimately wants to be. But we do have another week, and we’ve purposely ramped him up slowly,” Kerr said. “I think he’s on schedule.”
Lendeborg adjusts to the NBA
Lendeborg discussed learning Golden State’s offensive system and adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA.
The rookie said the Warriors’ Summer League players spent much of the offseason familiarizing themselves with the offense, giving them additional preparation before joining the veterans.
“The Summer League guys, we’ve been pretty much wrapping out the new offense the entire summer,” Lendeborg said.
He also emphasized the importance of playing aggressively while creating opportunities for his teammates.
“I’m just going to do my best to create as much gravity for myself and be able to make the right play afterward,” Lendeborg said.
Lendeborg acknowledged that NBA defenders present a different challenge from those he faced in college, requiring him to remain patient and adjust his approach around the basket.
“These guys are the best in the world for a reason,” he said.
The game also brought Lendeborg back to Las Vegas, where he previously won an NBA Summer League championship.
“It’s definitely always fun to be back in Vegas,” he said.
Fans embrace NBA basketball in Las Vegas
The atmosphere surrounding the Warriors-Lakers matchup reflected the city’s growing appetite for major sporting events, although some fans questioned whether preseason ticket prices were justified.
One fan said the crowd was smaller than expected, pointing to the cost of admission.
“I thought it would be more of a turnout. But I feel like the tickets are so expensive,” the fan said, estimating that seats in the area were selling for approximately $300.
Others were more enthusiastic about the experience, praising the atmosphere despite the cost of concessions.
“The vibes are great. The vibes are vibing. Everyone’s great. I love it here,” another fan said.
Asked whether Las Vegas should have its own NBA team, fans expressed strong support.
“100%. Vegas, we have everything,” one fan said.
Another added that a local franchise would make the experience even better.
“If they had a Vegas team, it’d be amazing,” the fan said.
Las Vegas already hosts the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights and the WNBA’s Aces. The Athletics are also developing their planned ballpark in the city, further expanding its professional sports presence.
An NBA franchise would add another major league to that lineup and give local basketball fans a team to support throughout the regular season.
Criss Angel predicts NBA will come to Las Vegas
Longtime Las Vegas resident and magician Criss Angel believes the NBA will eventually establish a permanent presence in Southern Nevada.
“I predict in my crystal ball that the NBA will be coming here sooner than later,” Angel said.
Angel, who has performed thousands of shows in Las Vegas, said the city’s sports growth gives young athletes the opportunity to see professional competition as an attainable goal.
“They can see that it’s tangible. It becomes a step closer to their reality,” Angel said.
He also praised the impact professional sports have had on the community, pointing to the Raiders, Golden Knights and Athletics as examples of Las Vegas’ evolving identity.
“I think this is a beautiful thing for Las Vegas. I think it brings everybody together. Sports doesn’t, like, nothing else,” Angel said.
Angel said he would welcome opportunities to participate in future sporting events, citing his previous involvement with local teams.
“I would be honored to participate in any sports event,” he said.
Las Vegas’ NBA future remains a topic of discussion
The Warriors’ 101-89 victory over the Lakers provided another opportunity for Las Vegas to demonstrate its ability to host NBA basketball while highlighting the city’s growing sports identity.
For Kerr and Golden State, the focus remains on preparing for the regular season. For Lendeborg, the challenge is adjusting to the NBA and finding his role within the Warriors’ system.
For fans and longtime Las Vegas residents such as Angel, however, the conversation extends beyond one preseason game.
The atmosphere, the interest in a local franchise and the city’s expanding collection of professional teams all contribute to the growing discussion about whether Las Vegas could eventually become home to an NBA team.
No expansion franchise has been confirmed, but the enthusiasm surrounding NBA basketball in Las Vegas suggests the city’s relationship with the league will remain a significant part of its evolving sports landscape.
