UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 103-88 on December 2, 2023, after star player Luka Doncic exited the game with a left leg contusion. Despite LeBron James scoring a season-high 36 points, the Lakers struggled to keep pace in the second half without Doncic.
Doncic, who had been dominating the league with an average of 35.2 points per game, played only 19 minutes before sitting out the entire second half. He recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists but faced shooting difficulties, going just 4 for 13 from the field.
The game, held at the Intuit Dome, saw the Clippers, who entered with one of the worst records in the Western Conference, seize control early. They built a commanding 22-point lead before the Lakers attempted a late-game rally, cutting the deficit to just seven points in the fourth quarter.
Adding to the Lakers’ woes, Rui Hachimura missed his first start of the season due to a sore groin, which is expected to sideline him for three to five days. Other players like Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Gabe Vincent were also unavailable, leaving a depleted roster for head coach JJ Redick.
“Just manage the game and play with the right spirit,”
Redick stated when asked about handling the injuries. He noted that Hachimura felt hip pain during a previous game against Utah and acknowledged that Reaves is working hard to return, while Ayton is dealing with swelling in his elbow.
The Clippers also faced injury challenges, with center Ivica Zubac exiting the game with a left ankle injury in the first quarter. Despite their struggles, the Clippers were able to secure the victory, with Kawhi Leonard leading the charge with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while James Harden contributed 21 points and 10 assists.
The Lakers’ next matchup is crucial as they look to bounce back against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Fans will be watching closely to see if Doncic can recover in time to play, amid ongoing concerns about the team’s overall health and performance.
This latest loss underscores the challenges facing the Lakers as they navigate a season rife with injuries. Their ability to regroup and perform under pressure will be critical in the coming weeks.
