LOS ANGELES — Even though they’ve only played seven games together as teammates, it’s already become customary for LeBron James and Luka Doncic to lead the Lakers to victories.
The Lakers’ 106-102 victory over the Clippers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, the Clippers’ first game at their old home arena since moving into the Intuit Dome, was not only their fifth straight win and 17th victory in their last 21 games, but also their fifth win in the Doncic-James era.
But even with birthday boy Doncic (31 points, five assists, two rebounds) and James (28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists) combining for 59 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, the Lakers (37-21) needed more than just their stars to be improve to a season-best 16 games above .500 – especially playing most of the game without two of their normal starters on the second night of a back-to-back set.
They needed Jarred Vanderbilt being a pest defensively – including stopping James Harden in isolation late in the third quarter before drawing a foul on Harden while fighting for a loose ball.
The Lakers needed two-way contract players Jordan Goodwin (six points, five rebounds, two assists) and Trey Jemison (five points, six rebounds) stepping up in their increased opportunities, both standing out with hustle plays.
They needed Dorian Finney-Smith’s steal with 2:19 remaining that led to Doncic assisting James on a layup in transition, putting the Lakers ahead 104-98. After Harden missed two clean 3-point attempts, Doncic found Jaxson Hayes for a dunk and a 106-98 lead.
The Clippers won a pair of challenges late to gain possession while down by four points, but Bogdan Bogdanović’s 3-point attempt with 10 seconds left rimmed out, sealing the victory for the Lakers against their former co-tenants.
Ivica Zubac had a season-high 27 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers, who have lost four of five since the All-Star break. Kawhi Leonard had 21 points, four rebounds and three assists, and Harden had 18 in a 5-for-22 shooting performance (1 for 10 from 3-point range).
Kris Dunn added 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
The Lakers went into the game without starting forward Rui Hachimura, who sat out because of a strained left knee. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Hachimura had imaging done on the knee.
“Still getting more information,” Redick said before the game. “We’re optimistic this is not a serious injury. But it’s still not quite clear on when he will be available to play. But we’re optimistic.”
Starting guard Austin Reaves exited the game early in the first quarter, going back to the locker room after being subbed out as part of his normal rotation pattern.
The team said during the second quarter that Reaves would not return because of right calf soreness. ESPN reported during Friday’s game that Reaves was scheduled to get an MRI on Saturday.
The Lakers host the Clippers again on Sunday night.
More to come on this story.