The Los Angeles Lakers succumbed to the L.A. Clippers' gritty style as they lost the first matchup between Tinseltown's teams, 118-107.

LeBron James and Rajon Rondo missed out on this game due to injuries and their veteran leadership was sorely missed by the team's young core. Outside of their stats, such presence would have benefited the Lakers' cause especially against a tough and gritty Clippers team.

In fact, Luke Walton alluded to the Doc Rivers-coached team's defensive character as something that threw the Lakers out of rhythm, per ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward.

“I think the group that they put in. That tough-minded defensive group is what got us out of our rhythm.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James reacts to Jamie Foxx’s big BET Awards nightJosh Davis ·
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves in for the dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron James puts ‘no bag’ critics on blastZachary Draves ·
Byron Scott during the Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic on September 13, 2024.
Former Laker Byron Scott reveals Kobe Bryant’s ‘most gangster s**t’ everMiguel La Torre ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·

Unlike their Staples Center co-tenants, the Clippers, on paper, lack the luster that the Lakers possess. However, they are not to be outdone when it comes to intangibles.

Despite the lack of star power, L.A. more than makes up for it with their depth and toughness. Patrick Beverley and Avery Bradley are bulldogs in the backcourt, while Montrezl Harrell is a boundless source of energy up front.

On the night, the Clippers were led by the scoring barrage of Lou Williams, who poured in a game-high 36 points. Danilo Gallinari backed him up with 19 and Harrell notched 12 markers.

The victory pushed the Clippers to a full-game advantage over the Lakers in the win-loss column.