nba

Doncic scores 38 as Lakers edge Clippers 125-122 to split series

Luka Doncic tallied 38 points and 11 assists, while Austin Reaves contributed 29, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 125-122 to split their season series.

The Lakers returned from the All-Star break with a dominant offensive performance. Doncic scored 17 points in the first quarter, helping Los Angeles overcome a 15-point deficit to secure the victory.

LeBron James added 13 points and 11 assists for the Lakers. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points before exiting with an apparent ankle injury in the final minutes. The Clippers, who rallied from a 6-21 start, fell just short of .500 despite Bennedict Mathurin scoring 26 points.