The Big Three Shine! Doncic Scores 38+11, LeBron Posts 13+11, Reaves Adds 29 Points as Lakers Narrowly Defeat Clippers

On February 21st Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Lakers secured a close 125-122 victory over the Clippers on their home court.

For the Lakers, Doncic put up 38 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals; Reaves contributed 29 points and 6 rebounds; Ayton had 13 points and 7 rebounds; LeBron recorded 13 points and 11 assists. The Clippers saw Leonard score 31 points with 5 assists; Mathurin added 26 points and 7 rebounds; Lopez posted a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Jones contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks; Collins scored 12 points; Miller added 10 points and 4 assists.

In the first quarter, both teams had key players step up — Lopez scored 7 points, and Reaves matched that with 7 points as well, leading to an 11-11 tie. Then, the Lakers took control behind the dual leadership of Doncic and LeBron, with Doncic hitting 6 of 8 shots for 17 points and LeBron making all 3 of his attempts for 7 points. The Lakers’ three-point shooting was highly efficient, hitting 5 of 6 attempts, helping them close the quarter leading 41-29.

In the second quarter, Nidhal committed a flagrant foul on LeBron by elbowing him in the ribs, resulting in a level-one flagrant foul call. Near the end of the quarter, Collins fell hard on his head and had to leave the game due to continuous bleeding from his eye. Throughout this period, the Lakers maintained their lead, going into halftime ahead 72-65. The Lakers’ Big Three of Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves all scored in double digits, while Leonard led the Clippers’ comeback effort with an impressive 21 points on 7 of 12 shooting.

In the third quarter, the Clippers mounted a strong comeback, with Leonard and Mathurin combining for 16 points to significantly close the gap. By the end of the quarter, the Lakers still held a slim lead at 99-95.

In the final quarter, the Clippers continued their momentum, taking the lead 106-104 after Lopez hit a long-range shot. At a crucial moment, Smart scored repeatedly, and Doncic nailed two consecutive three-pointers followed by a critical and-one play, pushing the Lakers ahead 123-118. Leonard exited the game late due to ankle soreness. The Lakers then held onto their advantage and secured the win.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: LeBron, Smart, Ayton, Reaves, Doncic

Clippers: Leonard, Collins, Lopez, Jones, Dunn