Kawhi Leonard didn’t waste any time making his return felt. In his first game back after a three-game absence due to a knee contusion, the Clippers’ two-time Finals MVP spearheaded a spirited 112-104 win over their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Thursday night — a victory that showcased both his enduring star power and the Clippers’ depth as they continue their surge in the Western Conference.
Leonard finished with 24 points in 25 minutes of action, setting the tone for Los Angeles from the outset and reminding fans why his presence instantly elevates the team’s ceiling. His performance marked a seamless return to form after missing time with what the Clippers described as a knee bruise, a setback that briefly interrupted his standout season.
“Just being out there with my guys, competing — that’s what it’s all about. I felt good, and we found ways to close it out,” Leonard said after the game (paraphrased from postgame interviews).
Clippers Grab Control Early, Withstand Lakers’ Rally
From early in the first quarter, the Clippers asserted themselves. They built a commanding lead — at one point up 26 points, racing out to a 79-53 advantage midway through the third quarter — behind balanced scoring and active defense. Ivica Zubac was a force on the glass with 18 points and 19 rebounds, while James Harden orchestrated the offense with 18 points and 10 assists despite a handful of turnovers.
But the Lakers, led by Luka Dončić’s 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, refused to go quietly. Los Angeles trimmed the deficit repeatedly, closing the third quarter with a 19-7 run and pulling within striking distance in the fourth. LeBron James chipped in with 23 points, using his size and experience to fuel the late push.
With the crowd sensing a possible comeback, it was Harden’s timely three-pointer that halted the Lakers’ momentum and sparked a Clippers 10-0 run that ultimately sealed the win. A Zubac dunk and a three by John Collins in the closing minute helped push the margin back into safe territory.
A Boost for the Clippers’ Momentum
Thursday’s victory continued a strong stretch for the Clippers, who have now won 14 of their last 17 games dating back to late December, a run that has seen them surge up the Western Conference standings. Their ability to withstand the Lakers’ late charge, even with Dončić and James playing at a high level, speaks to a confidence that has been building within the roster.
For Clippers coach Ty Lue, getting Leonard back on the floor — and performing at a high level immediately — was a major lift. The two-way star’s presence alters matchups on both ends and gives Los Angeles an added weapon as they chase playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference.
“It’s clear when Kawhi is on the floor,” Lue said. “He changes your offensive rhythm and how teams have to defend us. But tonight was a total team effort — the guys around him stepped up when we needed it.” (Paraphrased from postgame comments.)
Lakers Fight Hard, But Fall Short
Despite the loss, the Lakers demonstrated resilience that bodes well for their own hopes this season. Dončić’s near triple-double performance was a reminder of his MVP-level impact, and James’ veteran scoring kept the Lakers within striking distance late in the game. Yet defensive lapses in the middle quarters and an inability to sustain runs ultimately proved costly.
With their road trip ongoing, Los Angeles faces a stretch of tough matchups, and Thursday’s result underscored areas needing attention — particularly rebounding and limiting second-chance points. The Lakers’ 55-43 disadvantage on the boards was a factor in the Clippers building such a large cushion.
Inside the Battle of L.A.
Clippers–Lakers clashes are always circled on the calendar, but Thursday’s game carried added narrative weight. Leonard’s return to action — and his ability to immediately influence the game — reminded fans why his rivalry with Dončić and James has become one of the most compelling in the league.
For the Clippers, securing the season series advantage against their city rivals (leading 2-1) carries both playoff implications and bragging rights. For the Lakers, the contest was another test of their resilience and depth as they navigate a challenging road slate.
What Comes Next
As both teams dig into the heart of the regular season, Leonard’s health and consistency will remain focal points for the Clippers’ aspirations. His efficient scoring — particularly when surrounded by playmakers like Harden, Collins and Zubac — gives Los Angeles offensive balance and the kind of star power needed in close games.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to regroup and sharpen their defense as they continue their road trip. With Dončić producing at an elite level and James showing no signs of slowing down, Los Angeles remains dangerous — even in defeat.
In a night that lived up to the hype of a classic Battle of L.A., Kawhi Leonard’s return spotlighted both his resilience and the Clippers’ upward trajectory — evidence that this rivalry still has plenty of chapters left to be written.
