The third quarter killed the Lakers in their opener against the Golden State Warriors. However, it was also an ‘incomplete’ team taking on one of the most cohesive rosters in the NBA. Notably, Deandre Ayton’s role is expanded till LeBron James returns. While efficient, the veteran center wasn’t always on the same page as the two ball handlers – Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.

Ayton sometimes felt ‘confused’, not knowing whether to finish his motion or stay on the perimeter. So even when Austin Reaves made the right read, he caused turnovers due to a “wrong pass,”. The issue stems from Ayton’s lack of playing time with Reaves and Luka Magic.

The former undrafted guard is certain the team will pick up the pace. However, Luka Doncic had a different perspective. As the floor general, he blamed himself for Ayton’s timid 10-point performance. Doncic felt he lacked communication with his new teammate.

“Have to do a better job, just talking to him, like what I want, what he wants. And I mean, today was on me, not getting him enough touches, probably. Gotta help him,” he said about the former number one overall pick.

In hindsight, Deandre Ayton did find it easier to read Austin Reaves. Yet, it was evident that the duo needed time to develop synergy on the floor. On the other hand, Luka Doncic sat out the first four preseason games. Even Ayton admitted he hadn’t worked out enough with the Slovenian to pick up on some of his tendencies.

Judging by how gifted a passer Luka Doncic is, he will soon figure out Deandre Ayton’s strengths. The 26-year-old thrives with a reliable center in his peripheral vision. And the Lakers need Ayton’s length and interior presence to run Redick’s system seamlessly. Hence, it’s a problem that will probably fix itself.

But it wasn’t the biggest reason for their loss.

Old problems continue to haunt the Lakers

After a sloppy start, the Lakers picked up things in the second quarter. By halftime, it was just one point that separated the two teams. Then, the third quarter happened, and there was a repeated theme of destruction for the Lakers. The Warriors went on a 19-4 run, ballooning their lead to 17, and out of reach for the stumbling Lakers.

The third quarter has been the kryptonite for the Lakers since last year. And Luka Doncic pressured the team to make amends soon.

“Honestly, I would say that third quarter, the start. I think we had these problems last year, too. So, I think that was most of the problem. It was a close game; we’re down one at halftime. Then, at the start of the third quarter, they went on a run,” he said after the game. The Lakers ranked 27 in scoring for the third quarter last season. The same issue could rupture their hopes without a timely fix.

Furthermore, JJ Redick remains without a reliable bench. The Warriors’ second unit outscored the Lakers’ bench by 17 points—no one from the Lakers’ bench scored in double-digits. In cutthroat games, a collective effort is what helps win games. The Purple and Gold still seem to be figuring out their system.

However, it’s only the first game of the regular season. A win would have been the best result, but the Lakers must learn from their errors. Do they have the personnel to prioritize spacing? Can Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves co-exist at the same time? These are some of the questions that have to be addressed as a priority for the Lakers to function like contenders.