Kobe Sanders Delivers Key Bench Production in Clippers’ Win Over Lakers

In a thrilling inter-city rivalry clash, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a hard-fought 112-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Intuit Dome on Thursday, January 22, 2026. A pivotal factor in establishing the Clippers’ early dominance was the immediate offensive contribution from guard Kobe Sanders, who came off the bench to ignite his team with crucial three-point shooting, helping to blunt an initial Lakers’ surge and set the tone for the Clippers’ eventual win.

The game began with an energetic offensive exchange, seeing the Lakers briefly take a two-point lead. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Kobe Sanders entered the game for the Clippers. Providing an instant spark, Sanders drained two timely three-pointers, establishing a significant offensive presence from the bench. His sharp shooting continued, adding another triple as the first quarter progressed, underscoring his vital role in building the Clippers’ early advantage. This initial burst of scoring helped the Clippers overcome the Lakers’ early offensive efforts, which saw Jake LaRavia and Luka Dončić combine for 12 of LA’s first 16 points.

Despite the Lakers’ early efforts, their struggles mounted as Luka Dončić appeared to be the sole consistent scorer for purple and gold. The Clippers capitalized on this, jumping to a seven-point lead and forcing a Lakers timeout. Sanders’ continued effectiveness from beyond the arc kept the Lakers at bay, even as Rui Hachimura managed to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, narrowing the deficit to seven points by the end of the first quarter. The second period saw Brook Lopez add four quick points for the Clippers, while LeBron James attempted to assert himself offensively for the Lakers. However, the Lakers found it challenging to contain Kawhi Leonard, who steadily accumulated points, becoming the second player in double figures for the game with 12 points.

Throughout the first half, every attempt by the Lakers to close the gap was met with a decisive response from the Clippers. Even with strong defensive pressure on James Harden, he managed to contribute seven points. The Clippers’ lead continued to expand as the Lakers struggled on both ends of the court, culminating in a 17-point deficit for the purple and gold by halftime. The third quarter began slowly for both teams, with missed shots until James Harden completed a three-point play. Deandre Ayton responded with a hook shot for the Lakers, but Kawhi Leonard then unleashed a personal 5-0 scoring run, pushing his total to 24 points and forcing another Lakers timeout. The Lakers’ offensive woes were evident, as they converted only one of their first seven shot attempts.

Midway through the third, the Lakers, despite struggling with poor energy and effort, suddenly found a renewed sense of urgency. They scored five straight points, though still trailing by double figures. Following a Clippers timeout, Luka Dončić hit a midrange jumper, signaling a shift. The Lakers began to build momentum through improved defense and consistent scoring, concluding the third quarter with an impressive 19-7 run that cut the deficit to 14 points heading into the final frame, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

The fourth quarter opened with Rui Hachimura sinking a three-pointer for the Lakers, further chipping away at the Clippers’ lead. Jordan Miller responded with seven quick points for the Clippers, maintaining their cushion. The Lakers intensified their defensive effort against Kawhi Leonard, forcing him to work harder for his shots. This increased pressure, combined with critical plays from players like Jarred Vanderbilt, who provided significant energy off the bench with two assists and three steals, allowed the Lakers to completely seize momentum. They successfully reduced the deficit to just five points, turning the game into a thrilling shootout.

Luka Dončić and James Harden exchanged three-pointers, escalating the intensity of the contest. The Lakers managed to cut the lead to just two points, but the Clippers countered with a decisive 10-0 scoring run, momentarily deflating the Lakers’ hard-earned momentum. Yet, the Lakers refused to yield, reigniting their efforts and scoring eight consecutive points to once again bring the deficit back to single digits. A three-point play from LeBron James further tightened the game, making it a mere three-point difference with 1:28 left on the clock. However, the Clippers ultimately responded with a critical 5-0 run, capped by a John Collins three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining, effectively sealing their 110-102 lead and the eventual 112-104 victory.

Key statistical performances highlighted the competitive nature of the game. Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 32 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, while LeBron James contributed 23 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Jake LaRavia added seven points, five rebounds, three steals, and four blocks. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard was a dominant force, while Kobe Sanders’ early offensive contributions proved instrumental in establishing a lead that the Lakers, despite their spirited comeback attempts, could never fully erase. This performance by Sanders underscored the importance of bench depth in securing crucial victories in high-stakes rivalry matchups.