The Los Angeles Lakers edged out their city rivals, the LA Clippers, with a hard-fought 106-102 victory on February 28, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. This win not only clinched the season series against the Clippers but also marked the Lakers' fifth consecutive victory.
The stage was set for a showdown as the teams entered their third matchup of the season, having split the previous two games. Despite being on the second night of a back-to-back and missing key players, including Rui Hachimura—who was sidelined with a knee strain—and Austin Reaves, who exited early due to injury, the Lakers showcased their depth and determination.
The Clippers came out strong, finding early success thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s scoring. He hit back-to-back three-pointers, and alongside James Harden, they quickly established a 17-7 lead, prompting Lakers’ coach JJ Redick to call for a timeout. Following the pause, the Lakers regrouped, with LeBron James and Reaves hitting three-pointers, cutting the Clippers' lead significantly. By the end of the first quarter, only one point separated the teams with the Clippers narrowly leading 25-24.
James, who played 37 minutes, proved instrumental for the Lakers as they began the second quarter. He executed strong plays, converting on three-point opportunities, which helped the Lakers take their first lead of the game. By halftime, the Lakers, showcasing resilience through unexpected contributions from their bench, held onto a slender 59-54 advantage.
Gabe Vincent stepped up as Reaves' replacement, immediately impacting the game with his defensive energy and scoring capability. Vincent's play exemplified the team-first mentality the Lakers featured throughout the match. While the Clippers made their runs, punctuated by Kris Dunn hitting timely shots, the Lakers responded effectively each time, maintaining pace.
Describing the Lakers' performance, Trey Jemison III said, "If you want this win, you have to come fight us. Literally fight us," emphasizing the grit required from every player stepping up to fill the void left by injuries.
The third quarter saw the teams trade leads multiple times. Luka Dončić, though struggling with his shooting, found ways to score and create opportunities. Dončić’s ability to draw fouls and get to the line added pressure on the Clippers’ defense. He also made pivotal three-point shots, pushing the Lakers to close the third with a solid 83-77 lead.
Entering the final quarter, James initiated the scoring with back-to-back buckets, showcasing his veteran poise and offensive skill. The Lakers increased their lead to double digits, urging the Clippers to respond quickly. They managed to string together points through fast breaks, fueled by their own defensive turnovers forced against Harden.
Despite moments of tension as the Clippers executed runs of their own, the Lakers’ defense held firm. The game culminated with several turnovers from the Clippers as the pressure mounted, showcasing the Lakers’ strategic adjustments and ability to capitalize late.
After the game, JJ Redick expressed confidence moving forward, stating, "Goodwin will be part of the rotation moving forward," recognizing the contributions from Jordan Goodwin and others who came together on this testing night.
For key players, this game highlighted the foundation of teamwork forged under adversity. LeBron James finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds, dictifying play with impressive shooting percentages. Dončić led the Lakers' scoring with 31 points, reinforcing his ability to shine even when his shot is not falling.
The Lakers now turned their focus to the next matchup against the Clippers, scheduled for just two nights later. They will hope to draw on the momentum and lessons learned from this victory—forging confidence and readiness to face their rivals once again.
The atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena electrified supporters, proving the spirit of LA basketball remains vibrant as the Lakers continue their chase for postseason success amid increasing challenges. With each game, their resolve and team strength are significantly being tested, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.