LeBron James delivered an outstanding performance (26 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds) as the Lakers cruised to a 122-97 win over the Clippers while Luka Doncic observed from the bench.

LeBron James led the charge with 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in the Lakers’ dominant 122-97 victory against the Clippers on Tuesday night, marking an impressive showing in their first game since acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade. Although Doncic, still recovering from a strained calf, did not play, he cheered from the sidelines, clapping and fist-pumping as the Lakers played with energy and enthusiasm.

Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura contributed 20 points each, helping the Lakers finish a successful six-game road trip with five wins, even with the absence of Anthony Davis, who was traded to Dallas in the deal. The Lakers set the tone early, scoring 45 points in the first quarter—their highest-scoring period this season—and didn’t commit their first turnover until the second quarter’s midway point.

They displayed defensive intensity and grit, qualities they will need to maintain their success in Davis’s absence. Rookie Bronny James also got involved, hitting his first NBA three-pointer during six minutes of play in the fourth quarter.

In contrast, the Clippers struggled at home, with Kawhi Leonard scoring just 11 points and James Harden shooting a poor 2-for-12 for seven points before both stars sat out the final period. Norman Powell led the Clippers with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep them from falling two games behind the fifth-place Lakers in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers’ first victory at the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome wasn’t just a rivalry win—it was a statement showcasing the new-look Lakers, led by James and Doncic. Now, let’s evaluate each Lakers player’s performance.

LeBron James: A

Stats: 26 PTS, 8 REB (0 OREB, 8 DREB), 9 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 4 PF, 8-13 FG, 2-4 3PT, 8-11 FT, +19, 31 MIN

LeBron was in MVP form, leading the Lakers with 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in just 31 minutes. He ran the offense efficiently (8-for-13 from the field), provided key assists, and played strong defense with three steals. James controlled the game’s tempo and made critical plays at both ends, solidifying his role as the leader of the revamped Lakers squad. His bond with Luka Doncic, cheering together on the bench, offers exciting prospects for the team moving forward.

Rui Hachimura: B+

Stats: 20 PTS, 6 REB (2 OREB, 4 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 7-14 FG, 4-8 3PT, 2-2 FT, +15, 34 MIN

Hachimura was a reliable presence on both ends, contributing 20 points and six rebounds while shooting 50% from the floor. His ability to space the floor with four 3-pointers (4-for-8) was invaluable to the Lakers’ offense. His hustle, particularly on the boards, helped the Lakers maintain their dominance, making him a crucial factor in the win.

Austin Reaves: B+

Stats: 20 PTS, 6 REB (2 OREB, 4 DREB), 9 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 0 PF, 7-13 FG, 3-7 3PT, 3-3 FT, +9, 30 MIN

Reaves delivered one of his most well-rounded performances of the season, matching Hachimura with 20 points while also contributing nine assists and six rebounds. His court vision and playmaking ability helped balance his scoring role, and his efficient shooting (7-for-13 from the field, 3-for-7 from three) and calmness in crucial moments were key to the Lakers’ success.

Dalton Knecht: B

Stats: 14 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 6-9 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +15, 21 MIN

Knecht provided a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two 3-pointers. His ability to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on them in limited minutes (21) gave the Lakers a boost, especially when the Clippers tried to rally. While his impact outside of scoring was limited, his efficiency and energy were unmistakable.

Gabe Vincent: B-

Stats: 12 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 4-10 FG, 4-8 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 22 MIN

Vincent scored 12 points, all from beyond the arc (4-for-8), which helped the Lakers. However, his 4-for-10 shooting overall reflected some inefficiency. He also contributed three rebounds and two assists, but his influence in other areas was minimal. His shooting provided a lift, helping sustain the Lakers’ momentum.

Dorian Finney-Smith: C+

Stats: 7 PTS, 4 REB (0 OREB, 4 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 3-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +13, 24 MIN

Finney-Smith provided strong defense and hustle, contributing seven points and four rebounds. While not a primary scorer, his ability to hit a three (1-for-3) and add two assists was valuable. His defensive versatility was clear, even though his overall numbers didn’t stand out.

Jaxson Hayes: C+

Stats: 6 PTS, 6 REB (2 OREB, 4 DREB), 4 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 3-6 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-1 FT, +14, 24 MIN

Hayes was active on the boards, grabbing six rebounds and scoring six points on 3-of-6 shooting. His four assists and two blocks highlighted his all-around play. While not a focal point of the offense, his defense and rim protection helped keep the Lakers’ defense solid.

Jarred Vanderbilt: C+

Stats: 6 PTS, 6 REB (1 OREB, 5 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 2-3 FG, 1-1 3PT, 1-2 FT, +21, 18 MIN

Vanderbilt provided solid contributions in 18 minutes, scoring six points and grabbing six rebounds. His hustle on the boards and defensive flexibility were valuable, as was his efficient shooting (2-for-3 from the field, 1-for-1 from three). While he didn’t contribute much as a playmaker, his +21 plus/minus reflected his impact on the court.

Shake Milton: C+

Stats: 4 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 2 PF, 2-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +12, 20 MIN

Milton had a mixed performance, scoring four points and adding three assists in 20 minutes. Although he shot efficiently (2-for-3 from the field), his four turnovers hurt his overall effectiveness. Despite the mistakes, Milton’s defensive effort and ball movement helped the Lakers maintain their flow.

Bronny James: N/A

Stats: 3 PTS, 0 REB (0 OREB, 0 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 1-1 FG, 1-1 3PT, 0-2 FT, -1, 6 MIN

Bronny played a brief but memorable role, hitting his first NBA three-pointer in six minutes of play. He also added an assist and a steal, showcasing flashes of his potential. Though his contributions were limited, his poise and confidence were promising for his development.

Armel Traore: N/A

Stats: 2 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -1, 5 MIN

Traore played just five minutes, scoring two points and grabbing one rebound. Although his time on the court was limited, his hustle and effort were evident, and he made the most of his brief appearance with a perfect shooting performance.

Trey Jemison III: N/A

Stats: 2 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-2 FT, -1, 5 MIN

Jemison provided a solid contribution in his five minutes, grabbing four rebounds and scoring two points. His energy on the boards and defensive efforts were evident, even though his impact was limited. His activity level and physicality stood out during his short stint on the floor.