October 22, 2026 at 6:19 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Doncic and Kessler Give Lakers the Edge Against a Depleted Clippers Team

By How we produce articles

The Lakers have the stronger core and the healthier roster for this crosstown meeting.

The Lakers open the post-LeBron era with a clear structure, and it starts with Luka Doncic. He scored 28 points in just three quarters of a 127-105 season-opening win over Golden State. With the offense now fully in his hands, the Clippers must decide how much attention to give him and how much help to send.

That choice gets harder because of Walker Kessler. In his Lakers debut, the newly acquired center scored 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. Doncic's passing paired with a rim-running finisher is a difficult problem, and Kessler also gives the Lakers a rim protector behind the defense. Austin Reaves adds another layer. He had 23 points and six assists in the opener, so the Lakers can run offense through a second creator when Doncic draws extra attention.

The Lakers are not completely healthy. Collin Sexton, Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero are all game-time decisions, which could thin the guard and wing rotation. Even so, the Clippers' situation looks tougher. Brandon Ingram, Kevin Strus and Niederhauser are out, and Bradley Beal is a game-time decision. JJ Redick's short rotation puts Thybulle and Williams into a heavy-minutes role, and they will have to hold up inside a scheme built around Kessler near the paint.

If the Lakers' top options stay productive, the Clippers will have trouble matching their scoring and depth. Doncic and Reaves should create enough good looks, Kessler should punish mistakes near the rim, and the Lakers' defense should be able to take advantage of a shorthanded opponent. I expect Los Angeles' home team to control the game with its stronger top-end talent, though the guard injuries may keep the margin manageable.

Prediction: Lakers 121, Clippers 108.

All game reports