February 5, 2025 11:36AM
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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — LeBron James delivered 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Los Angeles Clippers 122-97 on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić, watching from the bench, approved of his new team’s performance.
Dončić, sidelined with a strained calf but nearing his return, clapped and occasionally fist-pumped as the Lakers put on a show in their first game since acquiring the All-NBA scoring champion in a blockbuster trade that sent star big man Anthony Davis to Dallas. Seated next to LeBron, Dončić engaged in conversation throughout the game.
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura each contributed 20 points, helping the Lakers cap off a six-game road trip with five wins—despite losing Davis to injury before the trade. The victory also marked the Lakers' first at Intuit Dome, the Clippers’ new home arena.
James Harden struggled, shooting just 2-for-12 for seven points, while Kawhi Leonard finished with 11. Both stars sat out the fourth quarter as the game slipped away.
In a special moment, Bronny James knocked down his first NBA 3-pointer during the final six minutes.
Newly acquired Clippers veterans Patty Mills and Drew Eubanks made their debuts, playing the final seven minutes after being traded from Utah on Saturday.
Takeaways
- Clippers: A flat, uninspired performance in their first game back from a four-game road trip. Owner Steve Ballmer had little to cheer about.
- Lakers: The win was dominant, but their effort on defense stood out most—a necessity moving forward without Davis.
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