Clippers dominate Lakers behind strong team balance

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a tough 112-104 loss to their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, last night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The Clippers improved to 20-24, while the Lakers dropped to 26-17.

Off to a fast start, the Clippers carved out a solid edge by halftime, leading 64-47, thanks to their surge in the second quarter. The Clippers pushed their lead to as much as 26 in the third quarter as they looked to cruise to an easy victory.

TOP NEWS

On this day: LeBron James made “The Decision” to join the Miami Heat

LeBron James 8 hours ago

REPORT: Three teams in the clear lead to sign LeBron James

LeBron James 12 hours ago

Khris Middleton returns to Washington Wizards in huge six-team trade

Khris Middleton 23 hours ago

For the Clippers, it was Kawhi Leonard who led the way. He poured in 24 points along with five rebounds and four assists.

James Harden chipped in 18 points, while Ivica Zubac dominated inside with 18 points and 19 rebounds.

The Lakers made a furious comeback attempt in the second half, led by Luka Doncic’s game-high 32 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

Down the stretch, LeBron James made some crucial plays, scoring nine in the fourth, 23 overall, but it wouldn’t be enough. A late three-pointer by John Collins with 43 seconds remaining shut the door for good.

About the Author Published Jan 23, 2026

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1