Lakers top Clippers in Battle of LA

LeBron James and Luka Doncic lead Lakers to victory after Clippers' tough back-to-back

Feb. 28, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-109 in a Pacific Division clash with major postseason implications. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, took advantage of the Clippers playing the second game of a back-to-back after an emotional win over the Nuggets the previous night. The Clippers struggled to match the Lakers' energy and pace, especially in the second half.

Why it matters

This game was a crucial matchup between the two Los Angeles NBA teams fighting for playoff positioning. The Lakers' win helps them solidify their standing in the Western Conference, while the Clippers missed an opportunity to gain ground in the division.

The details

The Lakers came out strong, with LeBron James and Luka Doncic combining for 56 points, 20 rebounds, and 22 assists. The Clippers, playing their second game in 24 hours, struggled to match the Lakers' energy, especially on the defensive end. The Lakers were able to dominate the paint and push the pace, leading to several easy transition baskets. The Clippers' normally reliable free-throw shooting also faltered, as they went just 18-for-24 from the line.

  • The Lakers last defeated the Clippers in November 2025, 135-118, at home.
  • The Clippers' last win over the Lakers came in February 2025, 122-97, on the road.

The players

LeBron James

The Lakers' superstar forward had a dominant performance, scoring 28 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' newly acquired star guard teamed up with LeBron James to overwhelm the Clippers, scoring 28 points and adding 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star forward struggled to carry his team on the second night of a back-to-back, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We knew the Clippers would be tired, so we wanted to push the pace and take advantage of their fatigue. LeBron and Luka were unstoppable tonight.”

— Frank Vogel, Lakers Head Coach (Los Angeles Times)

“We just couldn't find our legs tonight. The Lakers' energy and physicality were too much for us to handle on short rest.”

— Kawhi Leonard (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lakers will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a top seed in the Western Conference, while the Clippers will aim to rebound and regain their footing in the division race.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of rest and recovery in the NBA, as the Lakers' fresh legs and depth proved too much for the fatigued Clippers to overcome. It also showcased the Lakers' potential when their star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic are both firing on all cylinders.