A brand-new chapter in the storied "Battle of L.A." is set to begin Friday as the Los Angeles Lakers square off against the Los Angeles Clippers, ushering in an era defined by fresh faces and franchise cornerstones.
The Lakers vs Clippers rivalry enters uncharted territory after a transformative offseason that saw longtime superstars move on. LeBron James departed Los Angeles to join the Philadelphia 76ers, while Kawhi Leonard exited the Clippers to sign with the Toronto Raptors. Leonard's departure came amid an NBA investigation that determined the Clippers had violated league salary-cap rules.
Doncic and Kessler Power Lakers' Opening Statement
Now serving as the undisputed face of the Lakers franchise, Luka Doncic wasted no time stamping his authority in the team's regular-season debut on Wednesday. Doncic led the Lakers to a commanding 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors, filling the stat sheet with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Doncic was not the only standout in the purple and gold. New addition Walker Kessler produced a historic team debut. The 7-foot-2 center poured in 26 points without missing a single shot, finishing a perfect 12-for-12 from the field while grabbing a team-high nine rebounds.
According to the team, Kessler's 12 field goals without a miss stand as the second-most in Lakers history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's 14-for-14 showing in 1969. Kessler also registered 10 dunks against the Warriors, marking the highest single-game dunk tally by a Laker since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003.
"Playing with the guys that we have on our team ... they're just so good," Kessler said. "Their court vision's insane. So they know my advantage is my height (and) they found me in the right spots."
Lakers guard Austin Reaves also impressed in the opener, supplying 23 points and six assists. Reaves praised his new frontcourt teammate following the win, calling it "an unbelievable first game for a really good player."
In total, the Lakers converted 16 Warriors turnovers into 25 points and shot 56.8% from the floor, building strong momentum as they prepare to host Friday's cross-town clash.
Garland Leads Rebuilt Clippers Past Kings
Across town, the Clippers opened their season by addressing questions surrounding their revamped roster with a decisive 121-96 rout of the Sacramento Kings. With the offense now running through point guard Darius Garland, the Clippers shot 52.4% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point territory.
Garland set the pace with 30 points in 32 minutes of action. Veteran center Brook Lopez provided a massive spark off the bench, tallying 17 points and 11 rebounds. Together, Garland and Lopez combined to shoot 18-of-31 from the floor.
"Just trying to make the right reads whenever I can," Garland said. "When they're trying to help out, I try to swing it as quick as I can to our shooters. If they're doubling, try to get over the top to our bigs and make plays from there."
The Clippers also received a boost from rookie Keaton Wagler, the No. 5 overall selection out of Illinois. Wagler compiled 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 29 minutes during his NBA debut.
"It felt good," Wagler said. "Just wanted to play hard and see how it went. It went well. I think as a team we played really good. We started the game off really good and that kind of got us in the flow."
Hachimura Prepares to Face His Former Team
Friday's contest will also feature an immediate reunion for forward Rui Hachimura. After spending 3 1/2 seasons with the Lakers, Hachimura joined the Clippers in free agency this summer.
"Playing in that arena is special to me," Hachimura said. "I am excited for it. We have to get the (victory) you know. We did a great job (against the Kings) and we are gonna come out and focus on getting that win."
The recent balance of power in the city rivalry has shifted toward the purple and gold. After the Clippers saw an 11-game winning streak over the Lakers come to an end following the 2022-23 season, the Lakers have captured eight of the last 12 meetings between the two teams.
Source: CBS Sports