In a blockbuster showdown between NBA rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly edged out the LA Clippers 125-122 in what turned out to be the final regularseason meeting between the two Los Angeles franchises.
The back-and-forth contest lived up to the hype, with stars on both sides putting on a show – but the night ultimately belonged to standout performances and respect between elite competitors.
Lakers veteran LeBron James was instrumental down the stretch, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists, while teammates Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves also made key contributions.
Doncic poured in 38 points with 11 assists, and Reaves added 29 points, helping the Lakers split the season series with their Southern California rivals as they push toward postseason positioning.
Despite the loss, the Clippers had plenty of reasons for optimism – particularly surrounding Kawhi Leonard, who once again showed he’s one of the league’s most potent forces.
Leonard, who has battled through ongoing ankle and knee issues in recent seasons, scored 31 points on efficient shooting before exiting with left ankle soreness late in the fourth quarter. He extended his remarkable streak to 35 consecutive games with at least 20 points, underscoring his consistency as a toptier scorer this season.
Respect across rivalries
After the game, James was asked about Leonard‘s performance and resilience, and his response was as genuine as it was glowing.
“Kawhi is awesome, man. He’s the best. He’s one of the best players ever,” James said, dismissing the narrative that injuries define Leonard‘s career and focusing instead on what he can control: his oncourt excellence. James emphasized that setbacks are part of the game, but Leonard‘s ability to return from them and still play at an elite level is what sets him apart.
Those remarks reflect the high esteem in which James holds his longtime rival. It’s rare to hear such praise between competitors, but it highlights the mutual admiration that can develop among the NBA’s brightest stars.
For the Clippers, Leonard‘s dynamic scoring has been a major reason they have climbed out of a difficult earlyseason hole and remain competitive in the playoff hunt. His overall averages this season – near 28 points, over six rebounds, and more than three assists per game – speak to his allaround impact when healthy.