LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers: Full Box Score (Feb. 21, 2026)
The LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers matchup on February 20, 2026, delivered another intense chapter in the Battle of L.A. at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers secured a 104–101 victory, improving to 33–21 on the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Clippers dropped to 27–28, keeping them in a tight Western Conference race. This game featured efficient shooting, late free-throw execution, and star performances on both sides. Pre-game injury updates also shaped expectations, especially regarding LeBron James. The final box score confirmed how small statistical edges decided this rivalry contest.
Lakers Execution Defines the Night
The Lakers won this LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers battle through balanced scoring and fourth-quarter discipline. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 29 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including strong perimeter efficiency. His shot selection and pace control fueled Los Angeles’ offensive rhythm.
James added 13 points and nine assists, orchestrating sets and creating space for teammates. DeAndre Ayton contributed 11 points and four rebounds, providing interior presence. The Lakers shot 54% from the field and converted 20 of 24 free throws (83%), which proved decisive late. Their ability to attack the paint and close possessions efficiently created the final separation.
Lakers Key Player Stats
| Player | Points | FG | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Reaves | 29 | 9-13 | 4 | 2 |
| LeBron James | 13 | 5-12 | 2 | 9 |
| Deandre Ayton | 11 | 5-8 | 4 | 1 |
The Lakers’ offensive balance ensured consistent scoring across all four quarters.
Clippers Respond Behind Leonard
The Clippers stayed competitive in this LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers contest behind Kawhi Leonard. Leonard finished with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting and made all five free throws. His mid-range efficiency kept the Clippers within one possession late in the fourth quarter.
Derrick Jones Jr. added 8 points and six rebounds, contributing energy and defensive effort. The Clippers shot 56% from the field, slightly higher than the Lakers, but struggled in late-game shot creation. Missed three-point attempts and fewer free-throw opportunities limited their comeback. Despite strong individual efforts, the Clippers lacked enough late scoring support to complete the rally.
Clippers Stat Snapshot
| Player | Points | FG | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | 28 | 10-17 | 4 | 4 |
| Derrick Jones Jr. | 8 | 4-8 | 6 | 2 |
| Jordan Miller | 8 | 3-5 | 1 | 3 |
Leonard’s efficiency stood out, but depth scoring remained inconsistent.
Injury Updates Influenced Rotations
Injury reports played a significant role in this LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers matchup. James was listed as questionable earlier in the day due to left knee soreness, according to Lakers Nation and Times of India injury reports dated February 20, 2026. He ultimately played and logged key minutes.
The Clippers continued managing rotation challenges. Reports noted longer-term absences affecting depth flexibility. Player availability shaped substitution patterns and defensive assignments throughout the game. The Lakers’ healthier rotation offered slightly more stability in late-game execution.
Team Comparison at a Glance
- Final Score: Lakers 104, Clippers 101.
- Field Goal %: Clippers 56%, Lakers 54%.
- Free Throws: Lakers 20-of-24, Clippers fewer attempts.
- Rebounding: Margins were narrow overall.
- Turnovers: Lakers limited late giveaways.
These small statistical margins defined the outcome.
Bottom Line
The LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers game on February 20, 2026, reinforced how execution outweighs raw percentages. While the Clippers shot slightly better overall, the Lakers capitalized at the free-throw line and controlled late possessions. Reaves’ 29-point performance and James’ playmaking steadied Los Angeles under pressure. Leonard delivered another elite scoring night, but the Clippers needed stronger closing sequences.
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