Lakers' win over Clippers shows mixed takeaways

The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-122 as Luka Dončić scored 38 points and the offense had strong stretches, while defensive lapses continued to be a concern.

The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-122 on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. It was the team's first game this season with a fully healthy roster. Luka Dončić provided a high-scoring performance and the starting five looked like a cohesive fit on offense. At the same time, the Lakers struggled at points to secure defensive stops. Notable details: - Final score: Lakers 125, Clippers 122. - Luka Dončić finished with 38 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. - Austin Reaves scored 29 points and LeBron James recorded a 13-point, 11-assist double-double. - Nic Batum missed a potential game-tying three-pointer late; the Lakers maintained a three-point margin. - Kawhi Leonard was ruled out late with left ankle soreness and finished with 31 points for the Clippers. - The Lakers shot well from long range, with Dončić 8-of-14 and Reaves 4-of-5 from three-point range. Summary: The victory highlighted the Lakers' offensive potential while underscoring ongoing defensive concerns. The team improved to 34-21 and will host the Celtics on Sunday at 3:30 p.m., when the Pat Riley statue will be unveiled. The Clippers will remain in Southern California and host the Magic on Sunday evening at Intuit Dome.