Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT)
Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA (Clippers home game)
This crosstown rivalry matchup pits the surging Lakers—bolstered by star power and recent momentum—against a Clippers team battling inconsistency and key absences at their new home arena. The Lakers aim to solidify their Western Conference positioning, while the Clippers seek to leverage home-court energy for a critical win in their playoff push.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers:
Austin Reaves (SG): Out (right calf strain; est. return January 24).
Adou Thiero (F): Out (knee; est. return February 2).
Core stars LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Anthony Davis are expected to play full minutes. The backcourt depth is tested without Reaves.
Los Angeles Clippers:
Bradley Beal (SG): Out for season (OFS, left hip fracture).
Bogdan Bogdanović (SG/SF): Out (hamstring; est. return January 25).
Derrick Jones Jr. (SF): Out (knee; est. return February 19).
Kawhi Leonard (SF/PF): Questionable/GTD (knee).
Ivica Zubac (C) and James Harden (PG) are presumed active; Kawhi’s status is pivotal, potentially shifting defensive versatility and scoring if he sits. Clippers’ wing and perimeter depth is significantly thinned.
Key
Player Matchups
PG: Luka Dončić (Lakers – elite scoring/playmaking, step-back threat) vs. James Harden (Clippers – pick-and-roll creator, step-back specialist; marquee duel with defensive attention).
SG/SF: LeBron James (Lakers – versatile forward, facilitation/athleticism) vs. Kawhi Leonard (Q) or Norman Powell/Terance Mann (Lakers’ length and IQ to contest Kawhi’s mid-range/isolation if active).
PF/C: Anthony Davis (Lakers – rim protection, scoring, rebounding) vs. Ivica Zubac (Clippers – solid interior presence; AD’s mobility and switches create major advantages).
Bench/Wings: Lakers’ depth (e.g., Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell facilitation) vs. Clippers’ limited options without Beal/Bogdanović/Jones Jr. (potential G-League reliance).
The Dončić-Harden matchup drives pace and creation; Lakers hold interior and switching edges, especially if Kawhi is limited/out. Reaves’ absence forces more minutes for others, but Lakers’ star power compensates.
Team Recent Form
Lakers (26-16): 5th in Western Conference, strong 14-8 on the road. Recent form: 3-2 in last 5 (wins: 115-107 @ DEN on Jan 20, 110-93 vs. TOR on Jan 18; losses to POR/CHA earlier). High-efficiency offense (116.3 PPG, 50% FG) with balanced rebounding (41.4) and assists (24.9); defensive lapses occasional but star-driven resilience evident.
Clippers (19-24): 10th in Western Conference, solid 11-9 at home. Recent form: 4-1 in last 5 (wins over WSH/TOR/CHA; loss 138-110 @ CHI on Jan 20). Offense at 112.3 PPG with good blocks (4.8) and steals (8.7); rebounding competitive (40.3) but inconsistency and injuries hinder execution.
Lakers emphasize star creation and transition; Clippers rely on Harden’s facilitation and home defensive intensity but struggle with depth.
Series History
All-time regular season: Lakers lead decisively (157-88). In recent seasons (last 3-5 including 2025-26): More competitive, with Lakers holding a slight edge (e.g., 4-2 or similar in last 10). Clippers competitive at home in Intuit Dome era; games often close with high variance in scoring. Totals frequently hit Overs due to pace and star play; Lakers strong in road splits historically.
Betting Trends
Lakers: Strong 22-19-1 ATS season; effective as slight road favorites; good cover rate in rivalry games. Clippers: Mixed ATS at home; vulnerable without key wings; Overs hit in ~50%+ of games. H2H: Close contests with Lakers covering narrow spreads; recent totals variable but lean moderate scoring. General: Road favorites in LA rivalry ~50-55% cover; Kawhi status critical (Clippers +favorites if out).
Game Odds
Los Angeles Lakers 222.5
Los Angeles Clippers – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
