Luka Doncic scored 29 points and dished out nine assists, while LeBron James added 17 points as the Los Angeles Lakers held off a late rally to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 108-102 on Sunday night, securing their sixth straight win. Rookie Dalton Knecht chipped in 19 points, stepping up admirably as the Lakers played without injured starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Despite building a 21-point lead late in the third quarter, the Lakers had to weather a surge from the Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard's season-high 33 points. Leonard's three-pointer cut the deficit to 107-102 with 1:40 left, but the Clippers missed their final six shots, allowing the Lakers to escape with the victory.
Doncic continued to look more comfortable orchestrating the offense, helping the Lakers improve to 16 wins in their last 19 games and move into second place in the Western Conference at 38-21. James is now just one point shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and playoffs, adding even more anticipation to the Lakers' impressive run. After an exciting matchup, let's provide a rating for every Lakers player.
Luka Doncic: B+
Stats: 29 PTS, 6 REB (0 OREB, 6 DREB), 9 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 6 TO, 2 PF, 9-17 FG, 5-12 3PT, 6-9 FT, +19, 37 MIN
Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points and nine assists, showing his ability to control the offense and create opportunities for his teammates. Despite committing six turnovers, his efficiency from the field (9-of-17 FG) and his impact on the game were undeniable, as shown by his +19 plus-minus. His five three-pointers provided a crucial scoring punch, helping the Lakers build a 21-point lead before the Clippers’ comeback attempt.
Dalton Knecht: B+
Stats: 19 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 7-10 FG, 5-8 3PT, 0-0 FT, -13, 25 MIN
Knecht was a revelation off the bench, scoring 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, including five three-pointers. His ability to step up in the absence of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura was vital for the Lakers’ offense. Though he didn’t record an assist, his two steals showcased his defensive activity. His -13 plus-minus was more a reflection of the Clippers’ late surge than his own performance.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B
Stats: 8 PTS, 9 REB (5 OREB, 4 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 4-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 22 MIN
Vanderbilt's energy and versatility were evident as he contributed eight points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. His five offensive rebounds were crucial in extending possessions, and his +10 plus-minus highlighted his defensive impact. Although he missed all three of his three-point attempts, his inside presence and hustle plays were valuable assets for the Lakers.
LeBron James: B-
Stats: 17 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 9 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 8 TO, 2 PF, 6-17 FG, 1-6 3PT, 4-4 FT, -5, 36 MIN
James had a mixed outing with 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds but struggled with turnovers, committing eight of them. His shooting was below par (6-of-17 FG, 1-of-6 3PT), and his -5 plus-minus reflected the Lakers' struggles during his minutes. However, his playmaking and ability to draw defenders opened up opportunities for his teammates, keeping the offense flowing despite his off-night.
Dorian Finney-Smith: C+
Stats: 11 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 4-9 FG, 2-5 3PT, 1-2 FT, +24, 37 MIN
Finney-Smith provided solid two-way play, scoring 11 points and grabbing four rebounds while hitting two of his five three-point attempts. His +24 plus-minus was the best on the team, indicating his positive impact, especially defensively. Although he didn’t register an assist, his ability to space the floor and play strong defense made him a valuable contributor.
Gabe Vincent: C
Stats: 9 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 3-10 FG, 3-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2, 31 MIN
Vincent's performance was a bit underwhelming, scoring nine points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep. His +2 plus-minus showed he wasn’t a liability, but his efficiency issues and three personal fouls limited his impact. He did add two assists and a block, but the Lakers needed more consistency from him, especially during the Clippers' comeback.
Jaxson Hayes: C+
Stats: 6 PTS, 7 REB (2 OREB, 5 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-3 FT, +11, 26 MIN
Hayes made the most of his limited offensive opportunities, scoring six points on perfect shooting (2-of-2 FG) while grabbing seven rebounds. His two blocks and +11 plus-minus reflected his defensive presence in the paint. However, his two turnovers and lack of assists highlighted areas for improvement, but his energy and rim protection were commendable.
Trey Jemison III: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 5 PF, 1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, -2, 18 MIN
Jemison had a quiet night with just three points and two rebounds in 18 minutes. His five personal fouls limited his playing time and effectiveness, and his -2 plus-minus indicated he struggled to make a significant impact. While he didn’t commit a turnover, his limited production on both ends of the floor left something to be desired.
Shake Milton: N/A
Stats: 6 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 2-3 FG, 2-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -16, 8 MIN
Milton was effective in his brief eight-minute stint, scoring six points on 2-of-3 shooting, including two three-pointers. His -16 plus-minus was misleading, as it reflected the Clippers’ run rather than his individual performance. Though he didn’t record any assists or steals, his quick scoring off the bench was a positive for the Lakers.
