Luka scores 29 points and LeBron adds 17 in the Lakers' 2nd straight win over the Clippers, 108-102
LOS ANGELES – Luka Doncic scored 29 points and dished out nine assists, while LeBron James added 17 points as the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-102, on Sunday night. This victory marked the Lakers' sixth straight win, despite the absence of injured starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. The Lakers have now won 16 of their last 19 games.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard put up a season-high 33 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win as they suffered their fifth loss in six games. Norman Powell, who had four points in the first quarter, exited early due to right hamstring soreness after returning from a five-game absence due to a left knee injury.
After the Lakers' 106-102 win over the Clippers two days prior, this matchup also came down to the wire. Leonard’s 3-pointer cut the Lakers’ lead to 107-102 with 1:40 left, but the Clippers missed their final six attempts.
Takeaways:
- Clippers: The team struggled with scoring late in the first half, missing 10 straight shots and committing three turnovers in a span of 7:35. Powell’s absence certainly hurt their chances, although their late rally showed promise.
- Lakers: The team is building something special. Doncic is growing more comfortable with each game, and despite injuries and a tough schedule, the Lakers have surged to second place in the Western Conference with a 38-21 record.
Key Moment: The Lakers led 86-66 when Doncic sat out with 2:20 remaining in the third quarter. The Clippers responded with a 22-7 run.
Key Stat: James is now just one point away from becoming the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and playoffs.