Los Angeles Lakers defeat Los Angeles Clippers 103-87

Loud chants of Let’s go Lakers echoed through the Intuit Dome during the closing minutes of the third quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 103-87 road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, Los Angeles Times reported.

Lakers Control Intuit Dome Despite Missing Luka Dončić

Playing in Inglewood, the visitors improved their record to 4-1 on the young season while handing the Clippers their third loss in four games. The victory marked the second cross-town win for the Lakers against their rivals this season. The two teams previously met on October 23 at the Crypto.com Arena, where the Purple and Gold notched a 125-117 triumph that served as an immediate bounce-back from a loss to Portland.

Head coach JJ Redick kept Luka Dončić on the bench due to lower back stiffness. The star had played 37 minutes and scored 41 points the night prior against Portland despite carrying a questionable injury designation. With a medical history of back issues spanning the 2019, 2021, and 2024 campaigns—alongside a more recent flare-up in March 2025—the coaching staff opted against risking further strain.

Scoring Depth and Lockdown Defense Fill the Void

Quentin Grimes stepped into a leading offensive role to finish with 22 points, while Collin Sexton added 21 points for the shorthanded visitors. Austin Reaves established control early by scoring 16 of his points during the first half. Matisse Thybulle contributed 15 points on efficient shooting, hitting 5 of 6 attempts from the field, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. On the boards, Jake LaRavia pulled down 10 rebounds, and Walker Kessler anchored the interior defense with 9 rebounds.

The Lakers also played without injured players Ziaire Williams (left foot), the rookie Cameron Carr (right oblique), and Adou Thiero (left knee). The absences created extended minutes for reserves such as Jaden Hardy, who logged two points across eight minutes, and veteran Jarred Vanderbilt, who appeared for 20 minutes.

Clippers Struggle Through a Severe Injury Crisis

The home side faced an extensive injury list of their own, sidelining a significant portion of their rotation. Bradley Beal missed the contest with a right knee injury, Brandon Ingram sat out due to a right heel issue, and former Lakers player Rui Hachimura missed the chance to face his former club due to a left quadriceps strain. Additional absences included Jordan Miller (left rotator), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (right foot surgery), and Max Strus (right plantar fascia).

Keaton Wagler led the Clippers with 21 points. Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 15 points, and Darious Garland added 14. After building a 56-38 lead by halftime, the Lakers extended their advantage further through the third quarter, leaving the hosts unable to mount a successful response.

Upcoming Road Tests Await Both Los Angeles Clubs

The Lakers return to action on October 30 to face the Golden State Warriors on the road. The Clippers travel on the same date to play the Timberwolves.

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