The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 108-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, extending their winning streak to six games—the second-longest active streak in the NBA. For the Clippers, this loss was their fifth in the last six games, placing them in danger of falling into the play-in tournament.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Lakers in his eighth game with the team, delivering an impressive performance with 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. LeBron James contributed 17 points, five rebounds, and nine assists to help the Lakers secure the win. Doncic was highly efficient, shooting 9-of-17 from the field and draining five three-pointers.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40).
Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
One particular moment between Doncic and Clippers guard James Harden stole the spotlight on social media. In the second half, Doncic drilled a tough shot over Harden and followed it up with some trash talk.
“You can’t [expletive] guard me,” the five-time All-Star said after sinking the shot.
While Harden has been a key contributor for the Clippers this season—averaging 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists—he has struggled against the Lakers. In four games against them this season, he has averaged just 14.8 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. His shooting woes continued Sunday night, as he finished 4-for-14 from the field with 13 points, two rebounds, and eight assists.
The Lakers, now second in the Western Conference, will aim for their seventh straight win when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Clippers, sitting sixth in the West and having lost five of their last six games, risk slipping further down the standings if they don’t find a way to turn things around soon.