Reaves Scores 28 as Lakers Beat Clippers 125-117 in Los Angeles Duel

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the LA Clippers 125-117 on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, breaking a halftime tie with a 39-26 third quarter and holding on for their second win of the season. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 28 points and 9 assists.

Reaves sets the pace for the Lakers

Reaves played 38 minutes and shot 10 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from three-point range. Luka Doncic scored 23 points with 6 rebounds and 7 assists, and Walker Kessler added 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks, shooting 10 of 14.

The Lakers started the second game of their season the way they finished their opener against Golden State, with their backcourt scoring and Kessler protecting the rim. Kessler's six blocks were the defensive mark of the night, and his 22 points came on efficient shooting inside.

A tied first half, then one decisive quarter

The Clippers led the first quarter 31-27. The Lakers answered 37-33 in the second, and the game was tied 64-64 at halftime. The third quarter decided it. Los Angeles outscored the Clippers 39-26 in the period to take a 13-point lead into the fourth, and the Clippers won the final quarter 27-22 without closing the gap. The quarter scores finished Clippers 31, 33, 26, 27 and Lakers 27, 37, 39, 22.

Lopez gives the Clippers a fast start off the bench

Clippers center Brook Lopez, the oldest player on the team at 38, scored 15 points in eight first-half minutes off the bench. He shot 6 of 6 from the field, including both of his three-point attempts. Former Laker Rui Hachimura added 12 first-half points for the Clippers on 4-of-8 shooting.

Lopez's perfect first half helped the Clippers stay level through two quarters despite Reaves and Doncic scoring at the other end. The Lakers' third quarter, built on the same backcourt scoring and a stronger defensive stretch, was the run the Clippers never answered.

The setting

The game drew a crowd of 19,057 at Crypto.com Arena, where both Los Angeles teams play their home games. The Lakers followed their season-opening win over Golden State with a second straight home win, this time against the team that shares their building.