Two teams. One city. One arena’s worth of noise. Few NBA rivalries feel as personal as the one between the Lakers and Clippers, and Friday night proved it again.
The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-117 to start 2-0. Let’s break down how it happened, who stood out, and what this rivalry looks like heading into the season.
What Was the Final Score of Clippers vs Lakers?
The Lakers won 125-117 on Friday, October 23, 2026. Austin Reaves had 28 points and nine assists, and Walker Kessler added 22 points and six blocked shots. ESPN
It was the Lakers’ second win to start the season, putting them at 2-0, while the Clippers fell to 1-1. Tip-off came at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET). ESPN
How Did the Game Unfold?
Here’s the quarter-by-quarter story:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | 31 | 33 | 26 | 27 | 117 |
| Lakers | 27 | 37 | 39 | 22 | 125 |
Source: ESPN, October 2026.
The game was a back-and-forth for two quarters. The teams were tied at 64-64 at halftime. Then the Lakers took over, scoring 39 points in the third quarter against the Clippers’ 26. Think of it like a marathon runner who hides in the pack, then surges at mile 20. ESPN
Did the Clippers Make It Close?
They tried. The Clippers actually won the fourth quarter 27-22, but the gap was too big. A good example of how one bad quarter can sink an otherwise even game.
Who Stood Out for the Lakers?
Two names:
- Austin Reaves: 28 points and nine assists. The guard keeps showing he can carry a team. ESPN
- Walker Kessler: 22 points and six blocks. That’s a rim protector who also scores. ESPN
Late in the game, ESPN’s tracker had Reaves at 26 points on 9-of-11 shooting, with Brook Lopez of the Clippers at 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Lopez was productive but didn’t have enough help. ESPN
Why Do Big Third Quarters Win Games?
Quick thought experiment: if you could choose any single quarter to dominate, which one hurts opponents most? Many coaches say the third. It’s the first quarter after halftime adjustments, and a 13-point swing there can feel like a wall.
What Is the Clippers vs Lakers Rivalry All About?
It’s a fascinating one. San Diego won its first game against the Lakers, 124-113, on October 24, 1978, and the Clippers joined the Lakers in Los Angeles in 1984. Wikipedia
The Clippers are the oldest franchise in North American pro sports never to have appeared in a championship game. Meanwhile, the Lakers have collected banners for decades. It’s a bit like a famous restaurant sharing a block with a scrappy newcomer. Wikipedia
How Did Last Season’s Series Go?
It split 2-2. Here are the scores:
- Lakers 135, Clippers 118 (at Lakers)
- Clippers 103, Lakers 88 (at Clippers)
- Clippers 112, Lakers 104 (at Clippers)
- Lakers 125, Clippers 122 (at Lakers)
In the final meeting, Luka Doncic scored 38 and the Lakers held off the Clippers 125-122, splitting the season series. The January game featured Kawhi Leonard’s career-high 23rd consecutive game with at least 20 points. ESPNESPN
Clippers vs Lakers Key Data Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET |
| Final score | Lakers 125, Clippers 117 |
| Halftime | 64-64 |
| Third quarter | Lakers 39, Clippers 26 |
| Reaves | 28 points, 9 assists |
| Kessler | 22 points, 6 blocks |
| Records after | Lakers 2-0, Clippers 1-1 |
| 2025-26 series | Split 2-2 |
| 2026 Summer League | Lakers 99, Clippers 85 |
Sources: ESPN, AP, NBA.com (October 2026 and earlier).
What Happened Before the Season Started?
The Lakers won in Summer League too. Rookie Cameron Carr scored 23 points as the Lakers beat the Clippers 99-85 on July 14. Summer League isn’t a crystal ball, but it shows the Lakers have been winning these early battles. nba
What’s Next in the Series?
The season series lists Game 1 at the Lakers, Games 2 and 3 at the Clippers, and Game 4 at the Lakers. Exact dates for the remaining three meetings are best checked on the NBA’s official schedule. ESPN
Tips for Watching Big Games Like This
- Check the schedule early. National TV slots change between networks.
- Use League Pass for local games. Blackouts can apply.
- Follow injury reports. One missing starter can change a rotation.
- Watch halftime adjustments. They often decide close games.
For more viewing guidance, our guides to where to watch Lions vs Bengals and Cowboys vs Panthers explain the basics.
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FAQs About Clippers vs Lakers
What was the final score of Clippers vs Lakers?
The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-117 on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Los Angeles, improving to 2-0. Austin Reaves scored 28 points with nine assists, and Walker Kessler added 22 points and six blocks.
How did the Lakers pull away from the Clippers?
The teams were tied 64-64 at halftime, then the Lakers outscored the Clippers 39-26 in the third quarter, building a cushion that held through a closer 27-22 Clippers fourth quarter.
How did Clippers vs Lakers go last season?
The 2025-26 four-game series split 2-2. The Lakers won 135-118 and 125-122, while the Clippers won 103-88 and 112-104, with the final meeting that season on February 20, 2026, a 125-122 Lakers win.
What time did Clippers vs Lakers start?
The game tipped off at 7 p.m. Pacific on Friday, October 23, 2026, which is 10 p.m. Eastern. Check NBA League Pass or your local broadcaster listings for TV details in your area.
When do the Clippers and Lakers play again?
The season series has four games: Game 1 was at the Lakers, Games 2 and 3 are at the Clippers, and Game 4 is at the Lakers. Check the NBA schedule for exact dates.
Final Thoughts
Clippers vs Lakers delivered the kind of crosstown tension fans love. A tied game at halftime turned into a Lakers win thanks to a huge third quarter and strong nights from Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. The Clippers showed fight but couldn’t close the gap. With three more meetings on the schedule, this rivalry is just getting started. Mark the dates, watch the injury reports, and expect the next round to bring its own twists. In Los Angeles, bragging rights never go out of style.
