On January 22, 2026, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a hard-fought 112-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to a stellar performance by Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, who has been on a scoring tear, recorded his 23rd consecutive game with at least 20 points, a career-high. The Clippers, who have been on a roll, have won 14 of their last 17 games, climbing their way up the Western Conference standings. However, the Lakers, led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, put up a strong fight in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to just three points. The game was filled with back-and-forth action, with the Clippers ultimately prevailing due to a combination of Leonard's scoring prowess, James Harden's assists, and Ivica Zubac's rebounding. Despite the loss, Doncic and James both put up impressive numbers, with Doncic recording 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, and James adding 23 points. The Clippers' victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they continue to climb the Western Conference standings. But here's where it gets controversial... The Lakers' coach, JJ Redick, expects Austin Reaves to return soon, which could shake up the team's dynamics. The Clippers, on the other hand, will look to build on their success when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. The question remains: can the Clippers maintain their winning streak and solidify their position in the Western Conference?
