Lakers Set to Renew Rivalry Against Clippers
After a dominant win over the Golden State Warriors to begin the season, the Los Angeles Lakers are back in action Friday night. This time they will face another California foe, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Another chapter is set to be written in the Battle of LA, with both teams in very different situations.
Welcome Walker
Walker Kessler quite literally had a perfect night against the Warriors, scoring 26 points on 12/12 shooting. It was the second-best shooting game by field goal percentage in Lakers history.
Kessler will have another chance to dominate against the Clippers, who, like the Warriors, are lacking talent at the big man position.
The Clippers surrendered 14 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists to Kings center Domantas Sabonis in their season opener. So, another excellent game for Kessler could near 20/20 range.
Walker Kessler was EVERYTHING we hoped for and more in his Lakers debut 🔥
Shaq is already calling him the BEST big man in the league… and we’re STILL waiting on his first missed shot as a Laker 😭 https://t.co/CtezxKPOme
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 22, 2026
Guards Galore
While the battle inside may favor the Lakers, there is plenty of talent for both sides at the guard spots.
The Clippers boast an oddly fit-together but talented guard group of Darius Garland, rookie Keaton Wagler, and Kris Dunn.
Garland exploded in the season opener, going for 30 points while Wagler contributed 15/5/5 and Dunn added 7 assists and 3 steals.
This means the Lakers will be busy on the perimeter all night and will need Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to bring the effort defensively. Dunn will also make it tough for at least one of the Lakers’ guard duo at all times offensively.
Final Notes
With a win, the Lakers can start a season 2-0 for the first time in two years. And with how favorable their schedule is in October, that could extend into something much larger.
Tip-off is set for 7 PM inside Crypto.com Arena. Following the game, the Lakers will have a day off before heading to Utah to face the Jazz on Sunday.
