The Los Angeles Lakers had a 135-118 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, improving their record to 13-4. The strong play from the Lakers’ trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves was what led the team to a victory. All three players stepped up against the team’s rival. It was also an important game since it was their third In-Season contest.
Doncic led the team with 43 points, nine rebounds and 13 assists on an impressive 58.3% shooting from deep. Reaves added 31 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Lastly, James finished with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists. It was the first 20-point game for the 21-time All-Star for the 2025-26 season.
Fans loved seeing how the star trio has efficiently worked since James made his season debut on Nov. 18. Even longtime analyst Skip Bayless had high praise for the three players.
On X, Bayless spoke highly of James, Doncic and Reaves for leading the Lakers to a win.
“I am watching the greatest 3-man backcourt in NBA history – combined highest hoop IQ and passing genius. LeBron James. Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves. Honor and pleasure to behold this triple gift from the basketball gods,” Bayless posted.
The Lakers are motivated to win the NBA Cup
The Lakers have a 3-0 record in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. The team is serious about competing in the In-Season tournament for a chance to win $500,000. After their win over the Clippers, head coach JJ Redick spoke about the tournament being an extra motivation for the group.
“I really enjoyed it as a broadcaster, covering it, talking about it,” Redick said. “Didn’t get an opportunity to compete for the cup last year, so we’re excited. I mean, $53,000 is a lot of money. It just is. So I’m sure there’s some extra motivation. Coaches get to split a share, I think the head coach might get a full share, I don’t know. So it’s motivation, for sure.”
In the first iteration of the tournament, LA won the NBA Cup against the Indiana Pacers. They had Darvin Ham as head coach during the 2023-24 season, with James winning MVP. Last year, they couldn’t compete in and the Milwaukee Bucks took home the trophy. Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the best player of the tournament.
With an undefeated record, Redick could lead the team deep in the tournament.
For other sports-related content:
Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignamuraonba@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
