Lakers Defeat Clippers 103-87 Without Star Luka Doncic

Quentin Grimes scored 23 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-87 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday night.

The win marks the Lakers' second defeat of their in-city rivals in a single week. The Clippers fell to 1-3 on the season and suffered their third consecutive loss. They had previously dropped a matchup against the Lakers by eight points on Friday.

Luka Doncic, who averages 36 points per game, did not play due to lower back stiffness. Starting wing Ziaire Williams also sat out with left foot pain. Coach JJ Redick described both absences as precautionary measures. The Lakers had played the previous night, marking the first time in the campaign they faced back-to-back games.

Collin Sexton recorded 21 points off the bench, a season high for the substitute guard. Austin Reaves finished with 16 points, while Matisse Thybulle added 15. Sexton and Thybulle each made four three-point shots. Six Lakers players reached double-digit scoring totals in the contest.

Keaton Wagler led the Clippers with 21 points, the highest total of his career. The rookie played from the bench for the team, which currently holds a 1-3 record. Rui Hachimura missed the game because of stiffness in his left quadriceps.

The Lakers now hold a 4-1 record after the win. The Clippers' losing streak extends to three games following their defeat in Inglewood.