The Los Angeles Lakers boosted their momentum with a 135–118 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, sealing top spot in West Group B of the 2025 NBA Cup.
Luka Dončić was the standout, dropping 43 points — 24 coming in the first quarter — along with 13 assists and 9 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 31 points, 18 of them in the fourth quarter. LeBron James chipped in 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the win.
This marks the Lakers’ fifth straight victory across competitions, underscoring their strong form heading into the knockout stage. With this result, they finish group play with a perfect 3–0 record.
Meanwhile, the Clippers — despite solid contributions from James Harden, who scored 29 points, and teammates Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn — fell to 2–1 in group play. Their season remains alive, however, as they chase one of the wildcard spots.
For the Lakers, clinching West Group B means a smoother path into the knockout rounds, where every game becomes win-or-go-home — a test of consistency under pressure.
