LeBron James scored 25 points as the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to five games with a 135-118 victory over the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, November 25.
In a postgame interview, James described the moment of watching his son Bronny play as “super special for me… seeing him living out his dream. I’m living out my dream still.” He emphasized the importance of sharing these experiences with family while still competing at a high level.
The Lakers clinched their NBA Cup group with the win, and James acknowledged the value of securing that position early. “Anytime you’re playing for something, you take it… we won the inaugural and we’re back in it again. So, let’s see what happens,” he said.
James praised his own performance, noting steady improvement each game. “Every game I’m going to get better and better. Today was better than… the last game in Utah and obviously better than a week ago. Every day, I continue to work on my body, continue to work on my habits… to be helpful for the team.”
The veteran forward highlighted his partnership with Austin Reaves, who contributed 31 points and nine rebounds. “It’s easy. We’ve been together, played in so many games, so many minutes, so many situations. We know where we are at times without even looking,” James said, pointing to their on-court chemistry as a key factor in the Lakers’ success.
Luka Doncic led the way with 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, including 32 points in the first half, while the Lakers shot 57% overall and 45% from three-point range. Los Angeles dominated the boards 38-29 and committed just 11 turnovers, outpacing the Clippers’ scoring depth despite James Harden’s 29 points and nine assists and Kawhi Leonard’s 19 points.
The rivalry heated up late when Clippers guard Kris Dunn was ejected after a collision with Doncic, and Lakers center Jaxson Hayes received a technical in the scuffle. The Lakers’ composure and depth allowed them to maintain control, pulling away decisively in the fourth quarter.
With the win, Los Angeles improves to 13-4 overall and 3-0 in NBA Cup play. The Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, while the Clippers return home to face Memphis in their next matchup.
