Lakers vs Clippers - Game 2 - 2026 | Kessler Everywhere as Lakers Hold Off Clippers

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Game Summary: Los Angeles Lakers vs LA Clippers

LAKERS BEGIN THEIR FIRST WIN STREAK OF THE SEASON

Walker Kessler produced 22 points (10-of-14 FGs, 2-of-5 FTs), eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and six blocks. Kessler (25 years, 89 days) became the second-youngest player in Lakers franchise history to have 20+ points, 6+ rebounds, 3+ assists, 3+ steals and 5+ blocks in a game, older than only Magic Johnson (21 years, 86 days) on Nov. 8, 1980. Kessler has also begun his first season with the Lakers by scoring at least 20 points in back-to-back games for the first time during his five-year NBA career.

After two games, Kessler’s workload is dangerously high. It doesn’t take an expert to see the Lakers’ most glaring issue is the need for a capable backup center. The Lake Show cannot afford to lose this man if he continues to affect the game the way he does.

Next up for the Lakers are the Utah Jazz, Kessler’s old squad. “I’m so excited to compete against those guys,” Kessler said. “Coach Hardy does a great job with that franchise. All my past teammates are great players.”

Luka Doncic poured in 23 points (8-of-21 FGs, 2-for-8 3s, 5-of-7 FTs), six rebounds, seven assists, and a career-high 11 turnovers. Ziaire Williams had 14 points (5-of-7 FGs, 1-for-3 3s, 3-of-3 FTs), five rebounds, and two steals. Matisse Thybulle put up 13 points (5-of-8 FGs, 3-for-6 3s) and two steals.

Quentin Grimes led the reserves with 13 points (3-for-5 3s, 4-of-4 FTs), eight rebounds, and four assists. Collin Sexton only played 16 minutes in his Lakers debut since he missed all of preseason. Still, having that ball-handler off the bench will matter later down the stretch of the season. Sexton finished with five points (2-of-6 FGs, 1-for-3 3s) and three steals.

EARLY INJURIES

After playing in all 82 games last season, Jake LaRavia finally missed a contest due to the ankle injury he suffered in their last outing. Rookie Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero also remained out.

YOUR LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, THE LAKERS’ LITTLE BROTHER

Darius Garland led the Clippers with 26 points (9-of-19 FGs, 4-for-10 3s, 4-of-5 FTs), six assists, and nine turnovers. UNLV product Derrick Jones Jr. had 16 points (6-of-13 FGs, 3-for-8 3s), four rebounds, and two steals. Thirty-eight-year-old former Laker Brook Lopez led the bench group with 22 points (8-of-9 FGs, 2-for-2 3s, 4-of-5 FTs), four rebounds, and three blocks.

Rookie Keaton Wagler added 13 points (2-of-8 FGs, 2-for-5 3s, 7-of-9 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, and four turnovers. Another former Laker, Rui Hachimura, celebrated his early reunion by dropping 16 points (5-of-14 FGs, 3-for-6 3s, 3-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, and two steals. The Lakers welcomed him back with a special video during the break in the action in the first quarter.

GAME TIDBITS

Doncic is usually the one tossing alley-oops, not finishing them, but in transition after Doncic poked the ball away from Garland, Sandro Mamukelashvili found Doncic for a lay-in finish off the glass to put the Lakers up 18-15.

Clips did a good job stymying the Lakers’ pick-and-roll attack (especially Doncic) and forcing contested jumpers. Despite the Lakers outpacing the Clippers, 31-20, to close the second quarter, the Clippers still dominated in transition (13-2 edge). Their athleticism was a problem for the Lakers.

Six Lakers were in double figures through three quarters, including all five starters and Grimes. The Lakers dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 39-26. Thybulle provided a much-needed two-way boost early in the quarter.

Post-Game

Lakers head coach JJ Redick pointed to the third quarter, when his new center took over both ends. “It just felt like Walker was everywhere in that third and really was a huge spark for us getting us a win,” Redick said.

Kessler was a little stunned to learn how many players had put up that kind of all-around line before him. “It’s kind of crazy there’s already been seven guys that have done it before,” Kessler said. (Quotes via The Sporting Tribune and LA Sports Report, via Yahoo Sports.)

Catch up on the Lakers’ season-opening blowout of the Warriors, revisit our 2026-27 Lakers season preview and find all our coverage on the FSM Los Angeles Lakers hub.

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Attendance: 19,057 at Crypto.com Arena

Next up: The Lakers visit the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Delta Center. Tipoff is at 2 p.m. PT on NBA League Pass.

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– Jake Ideguchi-Furukawa – Franchise Sports Media

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