The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 125-117 on Friday, October 23, improving to 2-0 to start the NBA season. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 28 points and nine assists, while Walker Kessler contributed 22 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks in a tightly contested victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, but committed 11 turnovers as the Lakers overcame early shooting struggles. The Lakers shot 58% from the field and recorded 29 assists, with eight players scoring in double figures.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The contest remained close through the first half, with the Lakers and Clippers tied at 64 at halftime. Los Angeles took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 39-26 to build a double-digit lead. The Lakers maintained their advantage despite a late Clippers surge, with Darius Garland scoring 26 points for Los Angeles’ crosstown rivals.
Reaves and Kessler’s Breakout Performances
Reaves shot 10-of-13 from the field and added nine assists, while Kessler made his presence felt on both ends. He recorded six blocks, including a first-quarter steal-and-dunk sequence, and finished 10-of-14 from the field. Kessler’s 22-point, 8-rebound, 6-block line followed his 26-point debut against the Golden State Warriors, where he shot 13-of-13 from the field.
Turnovers Remain a Concern
Despite the win, the Lakers struggled with ball security, committing 21 turnovers, including 11 by Doncic. Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the issue, stating, “We know the turnovers is a problem. We’ll continue to work at it.” The team’s offensive balance—spread across multiple contributors—helped offset individual miscues.
Postgame Reactions
Doncic praised Kessler’s early impact, calling his performance “unbelievable” and noting that the center’s efficiency was not surprising. “He knows how to play this game,” Doncic said. “I’m not surprised but the fact that he’s doing it, just proving a lot of people wrong is just unbelievable.”
Redick highlighted Kessler’s influence in the third quarter, saying, “It just felt like Walker was everywhere… and was a huge spark for us getting us a win.”
Statistical Highlights
- Lakers: Reaves (28 points, 9 assists), Kessler (22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks), Doncic (23 points, 7 assists, 11 turnovers). Team shot 58% from the field and 48% from three-point range.
- Clippers: Garland (26 points), Brook Lopez (22 points off the bench). Los Angeles shot 46% from the field and committed 15 turnovers.
The Lakers’ next game is scheduled for Monday, October 26, against the Sacramento Kings.