Rating Lakers Players vs. Clippers: Luka Doncic Drops 31 Points On His 26th Birthday

Luka Doncic celebrated his 26th birthday in style, scoring 31 points—10 of them in the fourth quarter—to lead the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a gritty 106-102 victory over the Clippers on Friday night. LeBron James added 28 points and 13 rebounds as the Lakers extended their winning streak to five games, despite playing without two starters on the second night of a back-to-back. 

With the game hanging in the balance late, Doncic delivered clutch back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead to double digits before assisting on key buckets by James and Jaxson Hayes to seal the win. The Lakers overcame a dominant performance from Ivica Zubac, who had 27 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers, while James Harden struggled with his shot, going just 5-for-22 from the field. 

Even with Austin Reaves exiting early with calf soreness and Rui Hachimura sidelined, the Lakers showcased their resilience, improving to 11-2 in their last 13 games and continuing their surge up the Western Conference standings. Let’s provide a rating for every Lakers player. 

LeBron James: A

Stats: 28 PTS, 13 REB (1 OREB, 12 DREB), 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 0 PF, 12-21 FG, 2-7 3PT, 2-3 FT, -1, 37 MIN

LeBron continued to be the Lakers’ engine, delivering 28 points and 13 rebounds while shooting an efficient 12-of-21 from the field. His scoring was vital in keeping the Lakers ahead, especially with key players missing. Although he only had three assists, he made timely plays, including a crucial bucket in the final minutes. While he did commit four turnovers, his ability to control the tempo and step up in the absence of others made his impact undeniable.

Luka Doncic: A-

Stats: 31 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 5 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 6 TO, 5 PF, 9-22 FG, 3-9 3PT, 10-11 FT, -13, 35 MIN

Doncic celebrated his birthday in style, pouring in 31 points and taking over late with clutch three-pointers and key assists. While his shooting was inefficient (9-of-22), he compensated by aggressively attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and converting 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. His five turnovers and five personal fouls were concerning, and his -13 plus-minus reflected some defensive struggles. However, his late-game heroics were instrumental in sealing the Lakers’ win.

Dalton Knecht: C+

Stats: 8 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 3-6 FG, 2-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2, 18 MIN

Knecht provided a solid offensive spark off the bench, scoring eight points on 3-of-6 shooting, including two three-pointers. His playing time was limited, but he made the most of his minutes, adding a steal and keeping the Lakers’ offense flowing. While he didn’t make a major defensive impact, his shooting efficiency helped space the floor.

Dorian Finney-Smith: C+

Stats: 7 PTS, 5 REB (2 OREB, 3 DREB), 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 3-6 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -9, 31 MIN

Finney-Smith had a well-rounded game, contributing seven points, five rebounds, and three assists while playing his usual strong defense. His shooting was solid (3-of-6 FG), and he was active on the glass, pulling down two offensive boards. He finished without a turnover or personal foul, but his -9 plus-minus suggested some defensive lapses when he was on the floor.

Gabe Vincent: C+

Stats: 7 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 3 AST, 4 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 3-7 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +11, 26 MIN

Vincent brought energy and defensive intensity, finishing with seven points, four steals, and a block in 26 minutes. His shooting was inconsistent (3-of-7 FG, 1-of-4 3PT), but his ability to disrupt the Clippers’ offense was valuable. Despite not getting to the free-throw line, he finished with a +11 plus-minus, showing his positive influence on the game.

Jordan Goodwin: C

Stats: 6 PTS, 5 REB (3 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 3-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +14, 21 MIN

Goodwin had an active night, contributing six points, five rebounds, and three steals in 21 minutes. His defensive effort stood out, as he constantly pressured the Clippers’ ball handlers. However, his outside shooting struggled (0-of-3 3PT), limiting his offensive impact. Despite that, his +14 plus-minus reflected his ability to make winning plays in key moments.

Trey Jemison III: C

Stats: 5 PTS, 6 REB (1 OREB, 5 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, +19, 22 MIN

Jemison made the most of his opportunity, pulling down six rebounds and blocking a shot while chipping in five points. His +19 plus-minus was the best on the team, showing his positive impact in limited minutes. He provided a strong defensive presence inside, and while his offensive role was minimal, his efficiency (2-of-3 FG) was a plus.

Jaxson Hayes: C

Stats: 5 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, -15, 26 MIN

Hayes had a quiet offensive night with just five points, but he made his presence felt on defense with two blocks. His one rebound in 26 minutes was disappointing, as the Lakers needed more from him on the glass. His two turnovers and -15 plus-minus highlighted some struggles, but he contributed in the paint defensively.

Jarred Vanderbilt: C

Stats: 3 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-4 FT, +20, 15 MIN

Vanderbilt played just 15 minutes but made an impact with five rebounds and a steal. While he only scored three points, he was aggressive in drawing fouls, making 3-of-4 free throws. His +20 plus-minus was impressive, showing that his energy and defensive effort helped swing the game in the Lakers’ favor.

Austin Reaves: N/A

Stats: 6 PTS, 0 REB (0 OREB, 0 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 2-4 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 9 MIN

Reaves started strong, scoring six points on 2-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc before exiting early with calf soreness. His absence was felt, as his playmaking and scoring versatility would have been useful in the second half. Hopefully, his injury is minor, and he can return soon to help maintain the Lakers’ momentum.