When Luka Dončić steps onto Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, he won’t just be playing a rivalry game—he’ll be rewriting NBA history in front of a packed Los Angeles crowd. The Los Angeles Lakers host their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, in a pivotal NBA Cup group stage Los Angeles matchup at 11:00 PM UTC, and Dončić, despite early rumors suggesting otherwise, is confirmed to play. The Slovenian phenom, already the first player ever to surpass 400 points and 100 assists in his first 12 games of a season, is averaging 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. He’s not just scoring—he’s elevating everyone around him. And with the Lakers riding a three-game win streak, the stage is set for a statement performance.
Dončić’s Historic Start
It’s easy to overlook how surreal Dončić’s start to the 2025-26 season has been. At 26, he’s playing like a veteran in his prime, not a newcomer adjusting to a new team. His 46.7% field goal shooting and 79.3% free-throw accuracy aren’t just efficient—they’re elite. And his court vision? It’s the kind that makes teammates say, "I didn’t even know I was open." Head coach Darvin Ham and teammates alike have repeatedly credited him for transforming the Lakers’ offense from stagnant to explosive. In his last game, a 108-106 nail-biter over the Utah Jazz, he dropped 41 points and dished out 12 assists in 42 minutes. That’s not a fluke. That’s a pattern. And it’s why the Lakers, at 12-4, sit second in the Western Conference despite missing Deandre Ayton, who’s out with a right knee contusion.
Clippers’ Injury Woes Deepen
Meanwhile, the Clippers are drowning in setbacks. Bradley Beal, their All-Star shooting guard, is out for the season with a left hip fracture—a devastating blow that reshaped their entire offensive identity back in October. Derrick Jones Jr. remains sidelined until December 30 with a right knee sprain, and Jordan Miller won’t return until November 28. That’s three key rotation players gone. Then there’s Bogdan Bogdanović, listed as a game-time decision with a left hip contusion. Without him, their perimeter spacing collapses. Even with James Harden (27.8 ppg, 8.4 apg) and Kawhi Leonard (23.7 ppg, 2.6 spg) still delivering, the Clippers are 5-12 and reeling after a 120-105 loss to Cleveland. Their defense? Fractured. Their depth? Nonexistent. And they’re facing a Lakers team that’s clicking at the right time.
The Rivalry Rekindled
This isn’t just another game. It’s the first meeting between the two Los Angeles teams this season—and the Lakers hold a 12-4 all-time edge in head-to-head matchups. The energy in the arena will be electric. Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of Dončić outdueling Harden in a classic LA showdown. The Clippers’ front office reportedly tried to trade for Dončić last summer. He chose the Lakers. Now, he’s playing against the team that passed on him. That narrative? It’s real. And it’s fueling every possession.
Lineups and Matchup Keys
The Lakers’ probable starting five: Luka Dončić (PG), Austin Reaves (SG), Rui Hachimura (SF), Jake Laravia (PF), and Anthony Davis (C). Reaves, averaging 27.6 points, is having a breakout year—his ability to attack the rim and pull up from deep gives Dončić room to operate. For the Clippers, expect Ivica Zubac (17.0 ppg, 11.6 rpg) to battle Davis in the paint, while John Collins tries to stretch the floor. But without Beal and Bogdanović, their bench is thin. The Lakers’ depth, led by Hachimura (15.0 ppg) and Laravia (10.3 ppg), could be the difference.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about pride. The NBA Cup group stage is a path to the playoffs within the playoffs. The Lakers need to win here to secure home-court advantage in the next round. The Clippers? They’re fighting for relevance. A loss drops them further out of contention. And with the Lakers favored by 5.5 points—per ESPN’s pre-game odds released November 24—oddsmakers clearly believe Dončić’s presence changes everything. The twist? He’s playing on a sore ankle, sources say, but hasn’t missed a minute. That’s the kind of grit that wins championships.
Historical Echoes
Remember 2021, when the Clippers blew a 3-1 lead against the Suns? That loss haunted them. Now, they’re in a similar position: talented, but brittle. The Lakers, meanwhile, have learned from their own playoff failures. They’re not just building around Dončić—they’re building a culture. And this game? It’s a litmus test. Can they beat a wounded but dangerous rival on their own floor? If they do, it’s not just a win—it’s a declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Luka Dončić’s performance compare to other NBA stars this season?
Dončić is the only player in NBA history to reach 400+ points and 100+ assists in his first 12 games. He’s averaging more points per game than Nikola Jokić (30.1) and more assists than Trae Young (9.7). His efficiency (46.7% FG, 79.3% FT) and volume (8.8 RPG, 8.9 APG) make him the most complete offensive force this season. Only Giannis Antetokounmpo comes close in overall impact, but Dončić’s playmaking elevates his team in ways few can match.
Why is Deandre Ayton’s absence significant for the Lakers?
Ayton, acquired in a blockbuster trade last offseason, was expected to be the Lakers’ primary rim protector and rebounder. His absence leaves a gap in interior defense and second-chance points. Without him, Anthony Davis must play heavier minutes, increasing injury risk. Jake Laravia and Rui Hachimura are filling in, but neither averages more than 4.3 rebounds per game—far below Ayton’s 10.1. This could be exploited by Ivica Zubac, who’s averaging 11.6 boards.
What impact does Bogdan Bogdanović’s questionable status have on the Clippers?
Bogdanović is the Clippers’ most reliable off-ball shooter and secondary playmaker. When he plays, their offense flows better, especially in pick-and-roll situations with Harden. Without him, the Clippers rely heavily on Leonard and Harden to create, which increases isolation play and reduces spacing. His 1.8 three-pointers per game might seem modest, but his gravity opens driving lanes. If he sits, the Lakers can collapse the paint, making it harder for Leonard to operate.
How does the NBA Cup format affect this game’s importance?
The NBA Cup is a 30-team tournament with group-stage play leading to single-elimination rounds. Wins here count toward seeding for the knockout stage and offer bonus playoff points. For the Lakers, this win could lock them into a top-two group finish, guaranteeing home-court advantage. For the Clippers, a loss makes their path to the knockout stage nearly impossible—they’d need to win all remaining group games and hope for massive upsets. It’s not just a rivalry game—it’s a playoff lifeline.
What’s the historical significance of this Lakers-Clippers matchup?
The Lakers lead the all-time series 12-4, but this is the first meeting of the 2025-26 season. Since 2019, the two teams have played 16 times, with the Lakers winning 11. The most memorable was the 2021 Western Conference Semifinals, where the Clippers won in seven games. Now, with Dončić in purple and gold, the rivalry has a new focal point. This game could be the first of many epic showdowns in the Dončić era.
Could this game influence future trades or free agency?
Absolutely. A dominant performance by Dončić could strengthen the Lakers’ case for a max extension this summer. Conversely, if the Clippers lose again while missing key players, they may accelerate their rebuild. Rumors already swirl about a potential Harden trade to a contender before the deadline. And if Bogdanović misses more time, the Clippers might target a shooter in the mid-level exception. This game isn’t just about tonight—it’s about the direction of both franchises.