LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic erupted for 43 points on Nov. 2, 2025, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena and clinching West Group B in the Emirates NBA Cup.
The Lakers and Clippers entered the matchup 2-0 in group play, but the win handed Los Angeles the tiebreakers against both the Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies. The result pushed the Lakers to 13-4 overall and stretched their winning streak to five games.
Doncic scored 32 of his 43 points in the first half against a struggling Clippers defense. After the game, the All-NBA guard said the tournament’s prize money is welcome, yet the competitive format is what motivates him. “Obviously, I’ll accept money—that’s easy,” he said. “But I never got past the group stage before. It’s something new for me. I like it. Just the courts, please.”
The Lakers captured the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 and now have a chance to add a second banner when the knockout rounds begin. Although Friday’s group finale against the Dallas Mavericks will not affect the standings, Doncic is expected to be eager to face his former team. A victory would give Los Angeles a perfect record in group play.
Despite his strong showing, Doncic expressed concern about the specialized tournament floors, calling them slippery after several players lost their footing during the game. He said he hopes the league addresses the issue before Friday’s contest.
Source: Lakers Nation
