INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Azat TV) – Playing without NBA-leading scorer Luka Doncic and starting forward Ziaire Williams, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a dominant 103-87 victory against the LA Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at Intuit Dome, WRAL reported. The victory marked the Lakers’ second win over their local rivals in a week, lifting their record to 4-1 early in the season.
Doncic sat out due to back tightness stemming from the second game of the team’s first back-to-back set of the season, while Williams missed the contest with a sore left foot. According to WRAL, Lakers coach JJ Redick described both roster absences as purely precautionary measures to protect the players for the demanding schedule ahead.
Balanced Scoring and Defensive Lockdown
Without Doncic’s regular offensive output, the Lakers relied heavily on depth and perimeter shooting. Quentin Grimes led the starting lineup with 23 points, while Collin Sexton added a season-high 21 points off the bench. In total, the Lakers placed six players in double figures, with Austin Reaves contributing 16 points and Matisse Thybulle adding 15.
The game swung decisively in the second quarter when the Lakers mounted a 31-6 run, including 16 consecutive points, to turn the tide and build a 56-38 halftime advantage. Defensively, the Lakers stifled the Clippers, forcing 24 turnovers and holding them to poor shooting efficiency. The performance followed an earlier 103-95 win over the same opponent on Friday.
Clippers Struggle Amid Mounting Turnovers
The Clippers fell to a 1-3 record, dropping their third consecutive game despite a career-high 21 points from rookie Keaton Wagler off the bench. The team also played without starting forward Rui Hachimura, who missed the matchup against his former team due to left quad tightness.
Clippers head coach and players faced growing concerns over ball security, as the team committed 24 turnovers on Wednesday night. This followed high turnover counts of 26 in each of their previous two losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Lakers.
Looking Ahead to NBA Cup Group Play
Both teams face quick turnarounds as they transition into tournament action. The Lakers travel to face the Golden State Warriors on Friday night to open NBA Cup group play, while the Clippers head to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves in their tournament opener.