The Golden State Warriors emphatically signalled their intentions for the new NBA season on Tuesday, romping past Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 in a clash of Western Conference rivals.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, Stephen Curry added 23 and the Warriors broke open a close game with a 18-4 run to start the third quarter and never looked back.

Golden State withstood a 43-point performance from Doncic. The Slovenian star, acquired in a blockbuster trade last February, added 12 rebounds and nine assists.

It wasn't enough, and Lakers superstar LeBron James could only watch from the sideline.

James, entering an unprecedented 23rd season, was sidelined for the first opening night of his career as he deals with sciatica.

"It's always different when he's not there," Warriors

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