Lakers Edge Clippers in LA Battle
The Lakers defeated the Clippers in the 'Battle for LA' with Luka Dončić scoring 38 points in his return from injury. Austin Reaves combined with Dončić for 67 total points in the victory. Kawhi Leonard exited the game with an ankle injury, adding concern for the Clippers' playoff push.
- This victory marked only the 11th time in 55 games this season that the Lakers' key trio of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have played together due to various injuries. - Luka Dončić was returning from a mild hamstring strain that had caused him to miss the four games leading into the All-Star break. He played for just five minutes in the All-Star Game itself before sitting out the remainder of the contest. - For the Clippers, newly acquired guard Bennedict Mathurin contributed 26 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the game. - The win allowed the Lakers to split the four-game season series with their crosstown rivals. - Kawhi Leonard's exit was due to left ankle soreness, an issue he had been dealing with prior to the game. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue stated the ankle "got stiff on him," leading to his removal from the game with 5:10 remaining. - Before leaving the game, Leonard had scored 31 points, marking his 35th consecutive game with at least 20 points. - Austin Reaves was also returning to the starting lineup and was no longer under a minutes restriction that had been in place following a calf injury. - With the win, the Lakers improved their record to 34-21, while the Clippers fell to 27-29.
