Luka Doncic scored 38 points to lead the Lakers past the Clippers 125-122, splitting the season series. Kawhi Leonard exited with an injury, while key players stepped up in a close finish.
Lakers vs Clippers (Image Credits : X)
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 125-122 in a thrilling game on Friday night. It was a close match that went down to the final seconds, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Luka Doncic was the star for the Lakers, scoring 38 points and providing 11 assists. Austin Reaves also had a strong performance with 29 points. LeBron James added 13 points and 11 assists as the Lakers returned from the All-Star break. The team had a 15-point lead in the second half, but the Clippers fought back hard. Doncic stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 crucial points to help the Lakers hold on and secure the win. This victory split the four-game season series between the two Los Angeles rivals. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points but had to leave the game with just over five minutes remaining due to an ankle injury. The Clippers, now 27-29, came close to reaching a .500 record after struggling early in the season. Bennedict Mathurin scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Mathurin also scored 38 points the night before against Denver, showing impressive form for his new team.
Lakers Team Highlights vs Clippers | Feb 20, 2025 #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/sQk70xhacj
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) February 21, 2026
In the final moments, Derrick Jones Jr. scored two quick baskets to cut the Lakers’ lead to three points. Nicolas Batum stole the ball from LeBron James and had a chance to tie the game with a three-point shot, but he missed with four seconds left. This game marked only the 11th time this season that Doncic, James, and Reaves played together due to injuries. Even though James scored just two points in the second half, the Lakers’ offence stayed strong and consistent.
Next, the Clippers will host Orlando, while the Lakers will welcome Boston. The game demonstrated the Lakers’ ability to perform under pressure and highlighted the importance of key players stepping up when it mattered most.
Luka Doncic was the star for the Lakers, scoring 38 points and providing 11 assists. Austin Reaves also had a strong performance with 29 points. LeBron James added 13 points and 11 assists as the Lakers returned from the All-Star break. The team had a 15-point lead in the second half, but the Clippers fought back hard. Doncic stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 important points to help the Lakers hold on and secure the win. This victory split the four-game season series between the two Los Angeles rivals. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points but had to leave the game with just over five minutes remaining due to an ankle injury. The Clippers, now 27-29, came close to reaching a .500 record after struggling early in the season. Bennedict Mathurin scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Mathurin had also scored 38 points the night before against Denver, showing impressive form for his new team.
Watch Lakers vs Clippers Live NBA 2026
— LIVE SPORTS (@newface312659) February 21, 2026
Link: https://t.co/ftT5ZN5YaO pic.twitter.com/eCZZCCd9JC
In the final moments, Derrick Jones Jr. scored two quick baskets to cut the Lakers’ lead to three points. Nicolas Batum stole the ball from LeBron James and had a chance to tie the game with a three-point shot, but he missed with four seconds left. This game marked only the 11th time this season that Doncic, James, and Reaves played together due to injuries. Even though James scored just two points in the second half, the Lakers’ offence stayed strong and consistent. Next, the Clippers will host Orlando, while the Lakers will welcome Boston. The game showed the Lakers’ ability to perform under pressure and highlighted the importance of key players stepping up when it mattered most.
