Lakers Take Los Angeles Battle 125-117 Over Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 125-117 on 24 October 2026, using a decisive third-quarter run to seize control of a rivalry game that had been tight through the first half. The Lakers improved their early-season form with a balanced offensive performance and timely defensive stops down the stretch.

The Clippers kept pace behind strong shot-making from their backcourt, but the Lakers’ interior scoring and transition attack proved too much over the final 18 minutes.

Game overview

The first half was a shootout, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands repeatedly. The Lakers held a 62-60 edge at halftime, then opened the third quarter with an 18-4 run that changed the complexion of the game. Los Angeles pushed the tempo off Clippers misses and repeatedly attacked the rim against a scrambling defense.

The Lakers finished with a 58-44 advantage in points in the paint and scored 21 fast-break points. The Clippers stayed within reach by hitting 16 three-pointers, but they were hurt by 15 turnovers and a 12-point deficit in second-chance scoring.

Key moments

• The Lakers’ 18-4 run early in the third quarter turned a two-point halftime lead into a 16-point cushion.
• Luka Dončić hit a step-back three and followed it with a transition assist to Austin Reaves for a corner triple.
• LeBron James delivered a chase-down block late in the third that kept the Clippers from cutting the lead to single digits.
• The Clippers trimmed the margin to 119-114 with under two minutes left, but the Lakers closed with six straight points.

Standout players

Luka Dončić led all scorers with 33 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, controlling the game with his pace and passing. LeBron James added 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Austin Reaves contributed 18 points and hit several important three-pointers.

For the Clippers, James Harden scored 28 points and handed out nine assists. Kawhi Leonard added 24 points, and Ivica Zubac finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds, but the Clippers could not string together enough defensive stops in the second half.

What it means

The win gives the Lakers bragging rights in the first Los Angeles meeting of the season and reinforces their ability to win with both half-court execution and transition speed. The Clippers showed plenty of offensive firepower, but their turnover issues and interior defense remain areas to address as the season progresses.