No Luka Doncic, no problem: The Lakers rout the Clippers 103-97

In a hard-fought matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 103-87 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers without their star player, Luka Doncic. The absence of Doncic, who was sidelined due to back tightness from the previous night's game, allowed the Lakers to rely on six players scoring in double digits. Collin Sexton delivered a season-high 21 points off the bench to boost the Lakers' offensive output.

Quentin Grimes contributed 23 points, while Austin Reaves and Matisse Thybulle each scored 15 points. Austin Reaves led the scoring chart with 16 points for the Lakers, while rookie Keaton Wagler had a career-high 21 points off the bench for the Clippers.

The Clippers, missing starting forward Rui Hachimura due to left quad tightness, struggled with ball control, committing 24 turnovers. They had 26 turnovers in their first two losses to the Lakers and the Thunder. Despite a brief rally in the third quarter, the Clippers could not overcome the Lakers' 27-15 surge, which pushed the Lakers' lead to 85-65.

Reaves, in particular, demonstrated his scoring prowess with a span of 11 consecutive points, including two back-to-back 3-pointers, as the Lakers took a 56-38 halftime lead.

The Lakers' victory sets up a Friday night showdown against the Golden State Warriors as they prepare to kick off NBA Cup group play. The Clippers, meanwhile, will begin their NBA Cup campaign with a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.