LA Clippers defeat depleted LA Lakers at Intuit Dome- Dec. 2025
Clippers Dominate Lakers at Intuit Dome — Game Review (Dec. 20, 2025)
In a surprisingly authoritative performance, the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a skid and dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-88 at the Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 — a game marked by adversity, injuries, and an inspired team effort.
Despite entering the contest with one of the NBA’s worst records (7-21), the Clippers controlled the game from the opening tip. A 28-15 first quarter set the tone, and LA never trailed, leading throughout and extending its largest advantage to 22 points.
Key Performers and Stats
- Kawhi Leonard was the star of the night, pouring in a season-high 32 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, carrying the Clippers’ offense with efficient scoring and veteran poise.
- James Harden supplied a strong complementary effort with 21 points and 10 assists, finishing with a well-earned double-double and providing crucial playmaking.
- John Collins contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Clippers maintain physicality inside and control the boards.
- Brook Lopez chipped in with a season-high 11 points off the bench and helped stretch the floor.
For a team that had struggled to find consistency, every starter—outside of center Ivica Zubac—played an impactful role on both ends of the floor, showcasing ball movement, defensive rotations, and timely shooting.
Lakers Depleted, Dončić Limited
The Lakers were shorthanded throughout the game:
- Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura all missed the matchup due to injuries.
- Luka Dončić, the NBA’s leading scorer entering the night (about 35.2 ppg) and averaging elite all-around numbers, struggled in the first half (just 4-for-13) and exited at halftime with a left leg contusion, finishing with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 19 minutes.
- LeBron James led the Lakers with a team-high 36 points, but even his season-best scoring night couldn’t offset the roster’s limitations.
- Jake LaRavia provided a bright spot with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Shooting struggles were a major factor for Los Angeles; the Lakers shot under 39 percent overall and just about 16 percent from three, compared to the Clippers’ 37 percent from deep, as LA capitalized on open shots and spacing to build and maintain its lead.
Injury News and Turning Point
The Clippers suffered a setback when Ivica Zubac rolled his ankle in the first quarter and did not return, a sprain that will sideline him for multiple weeks as he recovers. Despite losing their starting center early, the Clippers’ bench and wings stepped up and helped keep momentum firmly in their favor.
What This Win Means
This victory marked a rare bright spot in an otherwise rough season for the Clippers. It snapped a five-game losing streak, ended an eight-game home drought, and showed what the team can look like when it shares the ball and defends with energy.
On the other side, the Lakers now face questions about depth and health as they try to regroup before their next matchup — and will hope that some of their injured starters return soon. More on the Clippers at www.nba.com/clippers