Luka Doncic delivered another stellar performance, scoring 29 points and dishing out nine assists, as the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 108-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. This marks the Lakers’ second win over their city rivals in three days.
Rookie Dalton Knecht stepped up with 19 points, while LeBron James contributed 17 points to help the Lakers extend their winning streak to six games. Despite missing injured starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers have won 16 of their last 19 games and now sit second in the Western Conference with a 38-21 record.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with a season-high 33 points, but his effort wasn’t enough to prevent their fifth loss in six games. The Clippers mounted a late comeback after trailing by 21 points, but their rally fell short in the final moments.
Norman Powell, returning from a five-game absence due to a left knee injury, managed just four points before exiting in the first quarter with right hamstring soreness. His absence was felt as the Clippers struggled offensively, going scoreless for the final 7:35 of the first half while missing 10 straight shots and committing three turnovers.
The game remained tight down the stretch, with Leonard’s three-pointer cutting the Lakers’ lead to 107-102 with 1:40 remaining. However, the Clippers missed their final six shots, allowing the Lakers to seal the win.
With Doncic finding his rhythm and the team thriving despite injuries and a grueling schedule, the Lakers appear to be building something special as they push toward the playoffs