Key Takeaways:
- Kawhi Leonard delivered 24 points for his 23rd straight 20-plus point game as the Clippers overcame the Lakers 112-104
- Luka Doncic produced 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Lakers, who have now dropped to 5-6 over their last 11 games
- The Clippers, with seven players scoring in double figures, have now secured wins in 14 of their last 17 outings
Match Breakdown
Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers once again, registering 24 points for his career-best 23rd consecutive game with at least 20. Despite dealing with a left knee contusion, Leonard played a crucial role in helping the Clippers hold off a persistent Los Angeles Lakers side, ultimately earning a 112-104 win at Inglewood on Thursday night.
Leonard, alongside James Harden and Ivica Zubac, initiated a strong third-quarter surge, combining for the Clippers’ opening 15 points in that period and extending their advantage to a game-high 26 points. However, the Lakers retaliated by outscoring the Clippers 19-7, narrowing the deficit to 86-72 entering the final quarter.
CLIPPERS WIN‼️ pic.twitter.com/r6hZqQ2ZzK
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 23, 2026
First Half Summary
The Clippers established dominance late in the first half, outpacing the Lakers 17-7, including a nine-point burst that aided a 64-47 lead at the interval. Los Angeles shot an efficient 59% from the field, compared to the Lakers’ 42%. Luka Doncic, who secured 17 first-half points, was largely held in check in the second quarter as Leonard led the Clippers’ bench line-up against both Doncic and James.
Fourth Quarter Drama
The Lakers closed in further with a 19-7 run, led by LeBron James’ 4 points and a Luka Doncic 3-pointer, trimming the Clippers’ lead down to just two. James Harden responded immediately with a three-pointer, sparking a crucial 10-0 Clippers run, which restored a 103-91 advantage.
Still, the Lakers were far from finished. A timely jumper and a three-point play from James powered an 11-2 spree, cutting the margin to three. Key contributions from Ivica Zubac, who delivered a reverse dunk, and John Collins with a three-pointer, saw the Clippers stretch their lead once more. Harden sealed the win from the free-throw line.
Player Performance and Key Statistics
| Clippers | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | 24 | 5 | 4 |
| James Harden | 18 | 7 | 10 |
| Ivica Zubac | 18 | 19 | 0 |
| John Collins | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Lakers | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 32 | 11 | 8 |
| LeBron James | 23 | 5 | 6 |
Doncic was impressive for the Lakers, finishing with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, while LeBron James contributed 23 points. James was central to the Lakers’ late push, tallying pivotal baskets in the closing stages. For the Clippers, Harden paired 18 points with 10 assists, and Zubac produced an impactful double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds. Seven Clippers reached double-digit scoring figures overall.
Injury Report and Upcoming Fixtures
The Lakers remained without Austin Reaves due to a calf strain, though coach JJ Redick indicated his return could be imminent.
- Lakers travel to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, kick-starting a six-game road trip
- Clippers will welcome the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday
