INGLEWOOD, Calif. — If Tuesday's Grammy trip-opening comeback win over the Nuggets was the Lakers showcasing their ability to climb out of a hole, then Thursday's 112-104 loss to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome showed that sometimes a hole is too big.
For most of the game, it looked like the Lakers were on the path to losing in a way that's familiar to many of their fans: have a competitive opening few minutes; allow their opponent to get comfortable offensively; and ultimately lose by double digits after letting go of the rope.
But just like they did two nights prior, the Lakers showed some fight and temporarily flipped the script on the Clippers.
But it wasn't enough.
After taking an early 18-14 lead behind strong starts from Luka Dončić (32 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals) and LeBron James (23 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals), the Clippers started to take control when reserve wing Kobe Sander knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers following defensive breakdowns from the Lakers.
Though Sanders' two treys helped ignite a 22-11 run for the Clippers who closed the opening quarter with a 36-29 lead. That early first quarter run extended to a 50-29 advantage for the Clippers who surged to a 64-47 lead at the half.
LeBron James, who scored 23 points, drives on James Harden during the Lakers' 112-104 loss to the Clippers on Jan. 22, 2026. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The halftime break didn't inspire the Lakers who continued to struggle as the Clippers opened the third with a 13-4 run to take a game-best 26-point lead, 79-53.
But the Lakers finally picked it up defensively, cutting the Clippers lead to 86-72 by the end of the third quarter. They ultimately got within just two points midway through the fourth after Dončić hit a fadeaway trey.
Nevertheless, they couldn't didn't get any closer despite having multiple attempts to change the momentum.
The Lakers, who trailed 110-104 with 24 seconds left, had one last chance but Dončić missed a 3-pointer ending all hope.
Luka Dončić, who scored 32 points, drives to the baskets between Clippers defenders during the Lakers' road loss. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Lakers, who fell to 26-17, dropped to No. 6 in the Western Conference standings, just percentage points ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-18).
Jake LaRavia 's steal against James Harden at the 8:01 mark in the third, when the Lakers were trailing 72-49, started a stretch in which the Lakers forced six turnovers in the final eight minutes, serving as a spark plug for the team's defense.
Leonard, who made his return after missing the previous three games because of a left knee contusion, finished with 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting to go with five rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes.
Kawhi Leonard, who scored 24 points, drives to the basket during the Clippers' win over the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
One of Leonard's biggest plays was his assist to John Collins for the corner 3-pointer that put the Clippers up 110-102 with 43 seconds left to secure the win for the Clippers
The Lakers' second-half success because they were more disruptive on the defensive end. They held the Clippers to 48 points on 34.2% shooting.
The Clippers committed 11 turnovers in the final two quarters. Lakers also had seven steals in the second half, which led to 13 points.
The Lakers' road trip continues with a matchup against the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday.
It will be Dončić's second time playing against his former team at American Airlines Center since the shocking trade nearly a year ago.
