Luka Doncic delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday night, recording 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 135–118 victory over the LA Clippers. The win extended the Lakers’ streak to five games and secured their NBA Cup group after another strong showing in tournament play.
Doncic was unstoppable early, matching his season-best first-half output with 32 points and finishing just short of what would have been his 10th career 40-point triple-double. His shooting rhythm returned in explosive fashion as he hit his first five three-point attempts after struggling from long range in his previous outings.
Austin Reaves also stepped up with 31 points and nine rebounds, continuing his impressive stretch as the Lakers improved to 11 wins in their last 13 games. LeBron James added 25 points and looked rejuvenated in his third game of his record-setting 23rd NBA season, scoring 16 points in the second half as the Lakers gradually created separation from their crosstown rivals.
For the Clippers, James Harden led the effort with 29 points and nine assists, maintaining his recent scoring surge, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 19 points in his second game back from injury. Despite their efforts, the Clippers’ struggles persisted as they suffered their 11th loss in 13 games.
Tensions rose late in the fourth quarter when Clippers guard Kris Dunn was ejected after knocking Doncic to the floor with a blow to the back. The confrontation escalated briefly when Dunn pushed the ball into Doncic’s chest and Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes retaliated, resulting in technical fouls and a heated moment between the rivals.
Doncic continued to energize the Lakers throughout, opening the game with his highest-scoring quarter of the season and offering plenty of vocal exchanges with the Clippers’ bench—an extension of his longstanding, competitive back-and-forth with the team. His early fireworks set the tone for a night where the Lakers asserted both dominance and composure in a rivalry clash filled with intensity.
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