Lakers takeaways: Third-quarter struggles remain, when will LeBron James return?

Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who was held to 23 points on six-of-14 shooting, tries to beat the double-team defense of Rui Hachimura, left, and Marcus Smart.The Lakers fell 119-109 to the Warriors in their season opener, continuing familiar third-quarter struggles under coach JJ Redick.

LeBron James missed a season opener for the first time in his career with a sciatic nerve issue.

Luka Doncic scored 43 points, but 19 team turnovers exposed ongoing chemistry issues with new center Deandre Ayton in the loss.

On the day before the Lakers opened their regular season, JJ Redick said what excited him most about a new year was “the chaos.” It’s the constant need to problem solve, to find new ways…