The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 135-118 on Tuesday night for the sixth straight time thanks to 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds from Luka Doncic and 25 points from LeBron James.

The Lakers and the Nuggets had some intense playoff battles this decade. First, the Lakers beat them in the bubble on their way to their NBA championship. Then the Nuggets beat them in back-to-back seasons, including in 2023 when they won it all.

Doncic drops 43 points as he, LeBron and Austin Reaves lead the Lakers to their fifth straight win and climb in the West.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is challenging Austin Reaves to step us as a leader now that he is a key piece to the team.