LeBron James Exhilarates NBA Fans as Lakers Beat Clippers After Luka Dončić Trade

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 5, 2025

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

The rest of the NBA is on notice because Luka Dončić is joining a red-hot Los Angeles Lakers team.

Los Angeles improved to 29-19 overall and 7-1 in its last eight with a 122-97 victory over the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday at Intuit Dome. As for the Clippers, they are still a solid 28-22 on the season despite their second loss in a row.

LeBron James was unstoppable on his way to 26 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, while Austin Reaves (20 points, nine assists and six rebounds) and Rui Hachimura (20 points and six rebounds) played well in support.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportLuka was loving this Bron and-1 to close out a 73-point first half for the Lakers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JiGiR5BqH2

Norman Powell led the way for the Clippers with 20 points as James Harden (2-of-12 from the field and 0-of-5 from deep) struggled with his shot as the Lakers’ perimeter defenders made life particularly difficult for him.

Social media had plenty of praise for James and the Lakers after the win:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportLEBRON x LUKA 😳 pic.twitter.com/qde0U5jcul

claire de lune @ClaireMPLSlebron is looking MOTIVATED

Jason Timpf @_JasonLTLeBron with the most obvious pep in his step. Can’t imagine how excited he is about this opportunity.

Lakers Nation @LakersNationIt’s not just LeBron, everyone on the #Lakers seems like they have a little extra pep in their step.

🏆LakersGuru🏆 @GuruLakersLEBRON JAMES SMELLS BLOOD IN THE NBA WATERS IT’S UP ON YOU MFS LMAOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/lRIsUNoHS3

Barry @BarryOnHereLeBron looks like he could play another 10 years lmaoo

Hip-Hop Jeff Van Gundy @JeffVanGundysB1Love how re-energized LeBron looks. The man could play until he’s 50

Seun @mulero__Luka is gonna average 29-7-7 and LeBron is gonna average 25-7-10. It’s gonna be very hard to beat the Lakers this season

TJ Laker @Lakers24LifeManIt’s becoming more and more obvious. #Lakers with Luka & LeBron (LL) will have a dynamite offense. Just imagine what this team can do with a real center? Scary!

MP3 @xmikepierrexLeBron has brought new energy to the team, putting on a show for Luka, while the younger players are likely competing for a place in the next dynasty. It’s wild to consider.

_Kyanna_ @AllAmericanYanaLebron James is doing this with no Luka Doncic. Just wait until they develop chemistry 😤

This was the Lakers’ first game since the stunning trade that landed them Dončić and cost Anthony Davis, but the star guard wasn’t ready to return to the court just yet. That left them shorthanded without Dončić or Davis against a Clippers team that won the first matchup.

On paper, it seemed like a clear opportunity for the Clippers to get a win before the Purple and Gold are better prepared for the stretch run with the addition of their new five-time All-Star.

But a locked-in James had other ideas.

NBA @NBALEBRON BACK-TO-BACK TRIPLES 🎯🎯

45 PTS IN THE 1Q IS A SEASON HIGH FOR THE LAKERS! pic.twitter.com/Uvbi1QG3qm

The King caught fire in the early going as the Lakers poured in 45 points in the first quarter alone. He drilled shots from deep, attacked the lane and facilitated as a primary ball-handler who looked 15 years younger than his actual age of 40.

James was the headliner, but it wasn’t a one-man show as the visitors built a 23-point halftime lead. Jaxson Hayes threw down a monster dunk, Hachimura found his stroke from beyond the arc and Reaves consistently set his teammates up in ideal position in a point-guard role.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportLuka was amazed by Jaxson Hayes’ dunk 🤣🔥

(via @LADEig) pic.twitter.com/5SFqC8MNU1

The massive lead meant James got additional rest on the bench, but it didn’t matter for the Clippers. The Purple and Gold had an answer every time the Clippers built even the slightest bit of momentum, especially with Reaves asserting himself more as a scorer with the King on the sidelines.

Even Shake Milton hit a buzzer-beater to end the third quarter, underscoring how everything was clicking for the Lakers.

The fourth quarter was such a formality that the Lakers even put Bronny James in and saw him make his ifrst career three-pointer as the team turns its attention to a home showdown with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.