Lakers lose to Clippers as Luka Doncic leaves with injury

In a disappointing crosstown rivalry matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers fell 103-88 to the struggling LA Clippers. What made it worse is the fact Luka Doncic left the game early due to a left leg contusion.

The Lakers, already depleted without starters Deandre Ayton (elbow), Austin Reaves (calf), and Rui Hachimura (groin), struggled to score outside of the 40-year-old LeBron James.

LeBron scored 36 points on 15-28 shooting. He didn’t get much help, however. Only Doncic, who played just 20 minutes, and Jake LaRavia scored in double figures. They each scored 12 points.

For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 32 points and 12 rebounds. James Harden chipped in 21 points and 10 assists.

The loss drops the Lakers to 19-8, while the Clippers improve to 7-21. Attention now turns to Doncic’s status ahead of Tuesday’s game in Phoenix, as the injury bug continues to plague LA’s title hopes.