The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 103-88 defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 9, 2024, marked by the absence of star player Luka Doncic due to a left leg contusion. Doncic, who has been a standout performer this season, left the game after the first half and did not return, leaving the Lakers without their leading scorer.
During the first half, Doncic played only 19 minutes, contributing 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists. However, his shooting woes were evident as he finished the half with four of 13 attempts from the field and one of six from three-point range. Entering the game as the NBA’s top scorer with an average of 35.2 points per game, Doncic’s injury adds to the Lakers’ growing list of sidelined players.
Rui Hachimura was also absent from the lineup, missing his first start of the season due to a sore groin, which is expected to keep him out for three to five days. Additionally, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton were unavailable for the contest.
The Clippers faced their own challenges, as center Ivica Zubac sustained a left ankle injury in the first quarter. Despite their struggles, the Clippers entered the game tied for the worst record in the Western Conference, having lost five consecutive games and ten of their last eleven outings.
The Clippers built a significant lead, reaching 22 points at one stage. The Lakers managed to close the gap to seven points in the fourth quarter, but ultimately could not sustain the momentum. LeBron James led the Lakers with a season-high 36 points, supported by Jake LaRavia, who added 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard was a standout for the Clippers with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while James Harden contributed 21 points and ten assists.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the team’s depleted roster before the game, stating, “Just manage the game and play with the right spirit.” He noted that Hachimura had felt hip pain during a previous game against the Utah Jazz. Reaves is reportedly pushing himself to return, while Ayton is dealing with swelling in his elbow but has been able to engage in intense individual workouts.
Looking ahead, Redick mentioned the potential for Reaves and Ayton to return for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns on March 12. The team’s ability to adapt and manage player injuries will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The loss to the Clippers marks another challenging moment for the Lakers, who will need to regroup and find ways to perform effectively despite their injury challenges.
