Lakers Secure 125-117 Victory Over Clippers to Start Season 2-0

The Los Angeles Lakers improved to 2-0 on the young NBA season by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 125-117 on Friday night at crypto.com Arena. The Lakers put on a shooting clinic, connecting on 58.2 percent of their field goals while dominating the paint to secure their second consecutive victory.

Austin Reaves led the charge for the Lakers with a game-high 28 points and nine assists, shooting 10-of-13 from the floor and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc in 38 minutes of action. Luka Doncic contributed 23 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, though he struggled with ball security by committing 11 turnovers while shooting 8-of-21 from the field.

Newcomer Walker Kessler delivered another stellar performance for the Lakers, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and six blocks on 10-of-14 shooting. Kessler's defensive presence helped anchor the interior, allowing the Lakers to finish with nine total blocks and out-rebound the Clippers 37-34.

The Lakers also received strong offensive contributions from the rest of their rotation. Ziaire Williams chipped in 14 points, Matisse Thybulle added 13 points with three three-pointers, and Quentin Grimes contributed 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench as the team recorded 29 total assists.

Despite shooting 43 percent from three-point range and forcing 21 Lakers turnovers, the Clippers could not overcome their deficiencies in the paint and overall shooting efficiency. The Clippers entered the contest following a season-opening win against the Sacramento Kings, but they continue to play without several key rotation pieces, including Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Jordan Miller, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser due to injuries.

The Lakers also faced roster challenges entering the matchup. Forward Jake LaRavia was ruled out after suffering a right ankle sprain late in Wednesday's season opener against the Golden State Warriors. In addition, rookie Cameron Carr remained sidelined with a right oblique strain, and Adou Thiero was out due to left knee swelling.

Head coach JJ Redick adjusted his rotation to compensate for the injuries, utilizing depth pieces like Grimes and Thybulle to maintain floor spacing and defensive flexibility. Meanwhile, veteran guard Collin Sexton was cleared to make his team debut after recovering from a calf injury that kept him sidelined during the preseason and the opener.

With the win, the Lakers continue to build early-season momentum under a new-look roster featuring the dynamic backcourt pairing of Doncic and Reaves alongside an impactful interior presence in Kessler.