Doncic, James, Reaves Spark Lakers 125-122 Win Over Clippers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic scored 38 points as the Lakers edged the Clippers 125-122 at Crypto.com Arena. The trio of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves played together for just the 11th time this season. Kawhi Leonard’s late exit with ankle soreness nearly sparked a Clippers comeback.
Luka Doncic Powers Lakers Past Clippers Quick Looks
- Final score: Lakers 125, Clippers 122
- Luka Doncic: 38 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds
- Austin Reaves: 29 points, key fourth-quarter charge
- LeBron James: 13 points, 11 assists (fifth straight 10+ assist game)
- Kawhi Leonard: 31 points before exiting with ankle soreness
- Marcus Smart scored all 7 points in fourth quarter
- Deandre Ayton added 13 points, 7 rebounds
- Lakers’ Big Three played together just 11th time
Deep Look: Doncic, James, Reaves Spark Lakers 125-122 Win Over Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers finally had their core trio together again — and it showed.
In just their 11th shared appearance this season, Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves combined to lift the Lakers to a 125-122 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Injuries have limited the trio’s time together — just 11 games out of 55 — but their first outing since the All-Star break offered a glimpse of the potential the Lakers hope to ride into the postseason.
Doncic Sets the Tone
Doncic led the charge with 38 points, 11 assists and six rebounds in nearly 38 minutes of action. Fresh off missing four games before the break due to a hamstring issue, he looked sharp and aggressive.
He also brought an edge.
Late in the fourth quarter, after scoring through contact from Clippers defender Kris Dunn, Doncic glared and exchanged words — adding emotion to an already heated rivalry.
“We have a history before,” Doncic said afterward. “Just part of the game.”
His ability to score at all three levels kept the Clippers on their heels all night, particularly after Kawhi Leonard left the game with 5:10 remaining because of left ankle soreness.
Reaves Delivers a Winning Play
Reaves contributed 29 points on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting night, along with six rebounds. But his most crucial moment came with 1:49 left.
With the Lakers holding a slim 118-115 lead, Reaves stepped in to draw a charge on Bennedict Mathurin — Mathurin’s sixth foul — forcing him to the bench after a 26-point performance.
“I saw an opportunity to make a winning play,” Reaves said. “I can’t jump and block shots, so my best chance is to take a charge.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick later called it the defining play of the game.
James Orchestrates Despite Injury
James finished with 13 points and 11 assists, marking his fifth consecutive game with double-digit assists. He did so while battling a sore left knee and a migraine.
The knee discomfort began during practice, he explained, after landing awkwardly following a dunk.
Still, James logged 33 minutes and guided the offense during key stretches, including a late lob to Deandre Ayton for a powerful dunk over Brook Lopez.
However, he nearly gave the Clippers an opening in the closing seconds. With the Lakers leading 125-122, James attempted a risky cross-court pass that Nicolas Batum intercepted. Batum’s potential tying three-pointer missed, and James secured the rebound to seal the win.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Marcus Smart delivered timely contributions, scoring all seven of his points in the fourth quarter while playing his trademark physical defense.
Ayton added 13 points and seven rebounds, providing interior presence on both ends.
But the night centered on the developing chemistry between the Lakers’ three offensive engines.
“I hear this question every day,” Doncic said about the trio’s chemistry. “Obviously we didn’t play a lot together, but it’s going to grow.”
James echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how critical every shared minute is for a group that has rarely been fully healthy.
“We don’t know what we’re going to be until we get fully healthy,” James said. “Every second we’re on the floor together helps.”
Leonard’s Exit Changes the Dynamic
Before exiting, Kawhi Leonard was dominant. He scored 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting, knocked down four three-pointers and went a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.
Even without Leonard late, the Clippers mounted a push that made the final minutes tense. But the Lakers held firm — thanks largely to Doncic’s composure at the line, where he hit two free throws with 21.2 seconds left to stretch the lead to five.
Building Toward the Stretch Run
The Lakers improved to 34-21 and now turn their attention to a marquee matchup against the Boston Celtics, renewing one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries.
For now, though, the focus remains on health and cohesion.
With Doncic shaking off his hamstring issue and James managing knee soreness, the Lakers are hopeful that consistent time together will unlock their ceiling.
“Just trying to score best and win the game,” Doncic said when asked how he handles trash talk.
On Friday night, he did exactly that.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.