Key Takeaways:
- Luka Doncic recorded 43 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds as the Lakers defeated the Clippers 135-118
- The Lakers clinched their NBA Cup group following their third consecutive Cup victory and fifth overall win in a row
- James Harden tallied 29 points for the Clippers, who have lost 11 of their past 13 games
Dominant Performances Propel Lakers to Victory
Luka Doncic delivered a commanding performance with 43 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers achieved a fifth straight win, overcoming the Los Angeles Clippers 135-118 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday. Doncic equalled his season best with 32 points in the opening half, securing his 51st career 40-point game. While he narrowly missed his 10th 40-point triple-double, his contributions proved pivotal as Los Angeles sealed their NBA Cup group by recording a third consecutive win in Cup play.
Another NBA Cup win ✔️ pic.twitter.com/eWjPk5oNha
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 26, 2025
Austin Reaves was equally influential for the Lakers, contributing 31 points alongside 9 rebounds, as the team secured their 11th win in the last 13 fixtures.
LeBron James Shows Veteran Class
LeBron James, now in his historic 23rd NBA season at age 40, demonstrated his enduring quality by adding 25 points. He netted 16 of those points after halftime, helping the Lakers steadily build and maintain their advantage over their crosstown rivals.
Clippers’ Struggles Continue Amid Tense Contest
James Harden kept the Clippers competitive with a 29-point, 9-assist outing, as Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points in only his second game back after missing 10 due to injury. The Clippers’ difficult stretch persisted, with this result marking their 11th defeat in 13 matches.
An already competitive first meeting between the rivals this season became heated late on. With 3:33 remaining, Clippers guard Kris Dunn was ejected after knocking Doncic to the floor with a blow to the back. Doncic retaliated, prompting Dunn to shove the ball into Doncic’s chest. Lakers centre Jaxson Hayes then pushed Dunn from behind, and Dunn retaliated in response. Hayes also received a technical foul for his involvement.
Doncic’s Offensive Clinic
Doncic set the tone from the outset, producing his highest-scoring quarter of the season by making his opening five three-pointers – a notable response after missing 17 of 22 from deep across his two previous games. He scored 20 points in the first eight minutes, consistently engaging in verbal exchanges and staredowns with the Clippers’ bench, building on a spirited rivalry with the neighbouring franchise.
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 43 | 13 | 9 |
| LeBron James | 25 | 6 | 6 |
| Austin Reaves | 31 | 3 | 9 |
| James Harden | 29 | 9 | 5 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 19 | 3 | 5 |
Looking Ahead
The Clippers will return home to face Memphis on Friday, while the Lakers will host Dallas that same night.
