John Collins Suffers Severe Injury in Clippers-Lakers Clash, Leaves Game Concussed

On Feb. 20, 2026, Clippers forward John Collins exited against the Los Angeles Lakers after a brutal mid-air collision. He went up for a lob late in the second quarter, lost balance, and slammed his head on the floor. He was bleeding but walked off under his own power. Medical staff immediately evaluated him.

How Serious Is John Collins’ Concussion? Latest Medical Update Explained

The Clippers placed Collins in concussion protocol shortly after. He was ruled questionable to return and did not re-enter the game. NBA concussion protocol requires multiple neurological and physical tests before clearance. No timeline has been confirmed.

What the Clippers Lose Without John Collins in Their Frontcourt Rotation?

John Collins entered the Feb. 20, 2026, matchup averaging 13.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN stats. Without him, minutes likely shift to:

• Nicolas Batum
• Kobe Sanders

Did the Injury Shift Momentum to the Lakers on Feb. 20, 2026?

Analysts called it “one of the more frightening moments” of the rivalry. The emotional swing was clear. The Lakers capitalized on the disruption.
Source: 

Western Conference Impact: How This Setback Affects the Clippers’ Playoff Push

The Western Conference race remains tight. Losing a rotational starter during concussion evaluation could disrupt chemistry and spacing at a critical stretch of the season.

What Happens Next for John Collins and the Clippers?

Collins must pass full concussion testing before returning. The Clippers now wait. In a rivalry game with playoff stakes, this injury may carry long-term implications beyond one night.

Final Words

Collins’ injury shifted the Clippers-Lakers game narrative. His absence could affect the Clippers’ season trajectory.

Disclaimer: The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.