Key Lakers vs Clippers takeaways: Kessler’s hot start has LA cruising

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the L.A. Clippers 125-117 in the first game of the crosstown rivalry series at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, Oct. 23.

Austin Reaves nearly had a double-double for the Lakers with 28 points and nine assists. He finished 10-for-13 shooting from the field and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line on the night.

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Luka Doncic added 23 points, seven assists, and six rebounds for the Lakers but also turned the ball over 11 times.

The Lakers ran away with the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 39-26.

Darius Garland nearly matched Reaves’ production, finishing with 26 points and six assists for the Clippers.

The Lakers improve to 2-0 to start the season and will travel to play the Utah Jazz on Sunday. The Clippers fall to 1-1 and will look to rebound against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up the court against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter of a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 13, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 101-89.

Walker Kessler continues to have early success

Walker Kessler has not disappointed through his first two games in a Lakers uniform.

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The Lakers’ new big man had an efficient night, going 10-for-14 (71%) from the field against the Clippers’ defense. He finished with 22 points and eight rebounds in 35 minutes of play. The center also showed up on the other end, coming up with a game-high six blocks.

Kessler was coming off a strong debut with the Lakers, having scored 26 points and collected nine rebounds in 30 minutes of play against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21. He went 12-for-12 from the field.

More: Walker Kessler delivers big opening night statement in Lakers debut

Lakers’ defense a proven strength 

Kessler was responsible for six of the nine total blocks that the Lakers recorded on the evening.

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Kessler and Collin Sexton each had three steals while three other players had at least two steals for the team. The Lakers finished with 13 total steals.

Clippers struggle to keep the ball

Garland followed up his strong start to…

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Publish date : 2026-10-24 14:57:00

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