The Los Angeles Clippers (7-21) won the city derby against the Lakers (19-8) 103:88. A strong performance from LeBron James wasn’t enough for the guests in the Intuit Dome; the game ended early for Luka Doncic.
Doncic had to be taken out of the game at halftime because of a bruised left leg. It is still unclear whether the Slovenian, who had 12 points and 5 rebounds up to this point, will be out longer.
The Clippers led the entire game against the Lakers, who were already struggling with personnel: Austin Reaves (calf injury), Deandre Ayton (left elbow problems) and Rui Hachimura (groin problems) were unable to take part.
The outstanding man for the hosts was Kawhi Leonard with 32 points and 12 rebounds ahead of James Harden (21 points, 10 assists) and John Collins (17 points, 12 rebounds).
LeBron James with a personal best
James shone with 36 points shortly before his 41st birthday on December 30th. The superstar achieved his personal best of the current season. Jake LaRavia (12 points, 11 rebounds) contributed a double-double.
It was the Clippers’ first win after five defeats in a row. The third-worst team in the Western Conference welcomes the Houston Rockets on Wednesday (4:30 a.m.).
For the Lakers, who are fourth in the West, it was the second defeat in the last five games. There is an away game at the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday (3 a.m.).
