Grading Lakers Players vs. Clippers: LeBron Scores 26 In Win, Luka Doncic Watches From The Bench

LeBron James led the way with 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Clippers 122-97 on Tuesday night, putting on an emphatic performance in their first game since acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade. Though Doncic, recovering from a strained calf, didn’t suit up, he sat on the bench next to James, clapping and fist-pumping as the Lakers delivered an electric effort. 

Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura added 20 points apiece, helping the Lakers cap off a successful six-game road trip with five wins despite the absence of Anthony Davis, who was dealt to Dallas in the trade. The Lakers set the tone early, scoring 45 points in the first quarter—their highest-scoring period of the season—and didn’t commit their first turnover until midway through the second quarter. 

They showcased grit and defensive intensity, critical elements they’ll need to sustain their success without Davis. Even rookie Bronny James got in on the action, hitting his first career NBA 3-pointer during six minutes of fourth-quarter play.

The Clippers, by contrast, looked flat in their return home, with Kawhi Leonard managing just 11 points and James Harden shooting 2-for-12 for seven points before both stars sat out the final quarter. Norman Powell led the Clippers with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to avoid falling two games behind the fifth-place Lakers in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers’ first win at the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome symbolized more than just a rivalry victory—it was a statement that this new-look Lakers squad, headlined by James and Doncic. Let’s grade each Lakers player for his 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 an efficient 31 minutes. He was the engine of the offense, scoring efficiently (8-for-13 from the field) while dishing out timely assists and playing solid defense with three steals. James controlled the tempo and made key plays on both ends, cementing his role as the leader of this new-look Lakers squad. His chemistry with Luka Doncic on the bench suggests exciting possibilities 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 consistent presence on both ends, contributing 20 points and six rebounds while shooting 50% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor with four 3-pointers (4-for-8) provided valuable spacing for the Lakers’ offense. Hachimura’s hustle and activity, especially on the boards, helped the Lakers maintain their dominance throughout the game, making him a key piece of 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 had one of his most complete performances of the season, matching Hachimura with 20 points while also dishing out nine assists and grabbing six rebounds. He showed excellent court vision and playmaking ability, balancing his role as a scorer and facilitator. His efficient shooting (7-for-13 from the field and 3-for-7 from three) and composure in key moments underscored his importance 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 was a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two 3-pointers. His ability to find scoring opportunities and make the most of them in limited minutes (21) gave the Lakers a boost, especially during stretches when the Clippers tried to mount a comeback. Though his impact outside of scoring was minimal, his efficiency and energy were undeniable.

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 added 12 points, with all his scoring coming from beyond the arc (4-for-8 from three). Though his shooting provided a lift, his 4-of-10 overall performance highlighted some inefficiency. He contributed modestly with three rebounds and two assists but didn’t make a significant impact in other areas of the game. Vincent’s shooting, however, helped maintain 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 solid defense and hustle, chipping in seven points and four rebounds. While he wasn’t a primary scorer, his ability to hit a three (1-for-3) and provide two assists added value. His role as a versatile defender was evident, even if it didn’t show up prominently in the box score. 

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 contributed six points on 3-of-6 shooting. His four assists and two blocks showcased his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. While not a focal point of the offense, his rim protection and defensive effort provided stability in the paint. 

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 played 18 solid minutes, scoring six points and grabbing six rebounds. His energy on the boards and defensive versatility were valuable, as was his efficient shooting (2-for-3 from the field, 1-for-1 from three). Though he didn’t contribute much in playmaking, his +21 plus/minus reflects his impact during his time 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 outing, scoring four points and adding three assists in 20 minutes. While he shot efficiently (2-for-3 from the field), his four turnovers were costly and hindered his overall effectiveness. Despite the miscues, Milton’s ability to keep the ball moving and his defensive effort helped the Lakers maintain their rhythm.

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 had a brief but memorable performance, hitting his first career NBA 3-pointer in six minutes of play. He added an assist and a steal, showing glimpses of his potential. While his contributions were minimal, his confidence and composure were encouraging signs of 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. While his time on the court was limited, his hustle and effort in garbage time reflected his readiness to contribute when called upon. He made his only shot attempt, staying efficient in his brief stint.

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 made the most of his five minutes, grabbing four rebounds and scoring two points. His energy on the boards and defensive effort were commendable, even in limited action. While he didn’t have a major impact, his activity level and physicality stood out during his short time on the floor.