No LeBron, no Kawhi: The Lakers-Clippers rivalry enters a new era

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the LA Clippers 125-117 on Friday night, marking the start of a new chapter in the crosstown rivalry without LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Following an offseason of major changes, Luka Dončić has stepped forward as the face of the Lakers, while point guard Darius Garland leads the new-look Clippers. Despite the win, both stars endured sloppy nights, with Garland committing nine turnovers and Dončić recording a career-worst 11 turnovers.

The contest also served as Rui Hachimura's first game against the Lakers after spending four seasons with the franchise before joining the Clippers. James departed the Lakers over the offseason to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, while Leonard was traded back to the Toronto Raptors. The victory pushed the Lakers to a 2-0 record on the season ahead of next week's rematch at the Clippers' Intuit Dome.