The Los Angeles Lakers put on a show against their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, securing a 122-97 victory on February 5, 2025. This win marked another step in the Lakers’ dominance over the Clippers, having won four of their last six matchups.
.png)
LeBron Leads the Charge
As usual, LeBron James was the heart of the Lakers’ success. He finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, proving once again that age is just a number. From orchestrating the offense to finishing plays at the rim, LeBron controlled the tempo from the start.
The Lakers exploded in the first half, racing to a 73-50 lead by halftime, leaving the Clippers struggling to catch up.
The Supporting Cast Steps Up
With their newest superstar, Luka Doncic, sidelined due to a calf injury, the rest of the team had to step up—and they did not disappoint.
- Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves each scored 20 points and dished out 9 assists, giving LeBron plenty of help.
- The Lakers were on fire from deep, shooting 48.6% from three-point range and 55.6% overall from the field.
Their efficient shooting and ball movement kept the Clippers scrambling all night.
Clippers Struggle to Keep Up
The Clippers, on the other hand, never found their rhythm.
- Norman Powell led them with 20 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 17.
- Kawhi Leonard played limited minutes and contributed just 11 points.
- New additions Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills struggled to make an impact, combining for just 2 points.
It was clear that the Clippers were still adjusting to their roster changes, and their lack of offensive firepower showed.
Bronny James' Special Moment
One of the most memorable moments of the night was Bronny James hitting his first NBA three-pointer. The rookie received a huge ovation, and his father, LeBron, couldn’t hide his pride. This was a big milestone in what could be a promising career for the young guard.
Lakers’ Big Trade Already Making Waves
The Lakers recently made one of the biggest trades in NBA history, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
LeBron admitted that losing AD was tough, as they had built a strong bond. But he’s also excited to see what Doncic can bring to the team. With Doncic set to debut soon, the Lakers’ future is looking even brighter.
What’s Next?
The Lakers continue to build momentum, showing they can dominate even without their newest star. If they maintain this level of play, they’ll be serious contenders in the playoffs.
For the Clippers, it's back to the drawing board. They need to figure out their offensive issues fast if they want to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
With Doncic’s debut around the corner, the Lakers’ next few games are must-watch.
.png&description=Lakers Dominate Clippers with a 122-97 Win: LeBron Shines, Bronny Makes History){kind=link}