On November 26, 2025, Kawhi Leonard reminded everyone why he’s still one of the NBA’s most feared two-way players, dropping 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in a tightly contested win by the Los Angeles Clippers over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. The game, tipped off at 7:30 PM Pacific Time, wasn’t just another regular-season matchup—it was the 153rd chapter in one of basketball’s most visceral rivalries, and Leonard, a native Angeleno, played like he was playing for more than just wins.
A Night of Quiet Dominance
Leonard didn’t light up the scoreboard with flashy threes or highlight-reel dunks. His 19 points came from methodical mid-range jumpers, sharp cuts to the basket, and opportunistic finishes in traffic. He grabbed 2 offensive rebounds—key in extending Clippers possessions—and 3 defensive boards that snuffed out Lakers momentum. His single steal came in the third quarter, intercepting a lazy pass from Anthony Davis and turning it into a fast-break layup that ignited the Clippers bench. It wasn’t a stat-line designed for Twitter threads. It was a veteran’s blueprint: efficient, intelligent, and suffocatingly consistent.The Los Angeles Clippers, led by head coach Tyronn Lue, used Leonard’s presence as an anchor. He played 34 minutes—his highest total since returning from a calf strain in early November—and never looked rushed. His three assists were perfectly timed, finding Paul George for two open threes and Ivica Zubac for a putback in the fourth. The Clippers won 114-109, their second victory over the Lakers this season after a 112-105 loss on October 28.
The Rivalry Deepens
The Clippers-Lakers rivalry isn’t just about proximity. It’s about identity. The Lakers, founded in 1947, carry the weight of 17 championships and the legacy of Magic, Kareem, and LeBron. The Clippers, founded in 1970, spent decades as the overlooked tenant in their own city—until Steve Ballmer bought the franchise for $2 billion in 2014 and began rebuilding it as a contender. Now, with Leonard and George leading the charge, they’re no longer just the team that shares a building. They’re the team that beats the building’s most famous residents.This win improved the Clippers’ record to 10-5 on the season, while the Lakers fell to 8-7. The rivalry’s historical ledger now reads 88 wins for the Lakers, 65 for the Clippers. But the tide has shifted in recent years. Since 2019, when Leonard signed with LA, the Clippers have won 11 of the last 17 meetings. And this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Lakers, coached by former NBA guard JJ Redick, were without Austin Reaves due to a sprained ankle, and their offense looked disjointed without him.
Leonard’s Resilience
For years, fans worried Leonard’s body wouldn’t hold up. He missed 61 games in 2021-22, 58 in 2022-23, and 42 in 2023-24. But this season, he’s been remarkably durable—playing in 14 of the Clippers’ first 15 games. His 19-point night was his third-highest scoring output of the year, trailing only his 24-point explosion against Denver on November 22 and a 21-point performance against Phoenix on November 19. He’s averaging 20.1 points per game this season, his best since 2020.What’s remarkable isn’t just the production—it’s the consistency. He’s not forcing shots. He’s not playing through pain. He’s operating like a surgeon: precise, calm, and always in control. The Clippers’ sports science team, led by Alan Sider, has crafted a minute-management protocol that’s kept him fresh. No back-to-backs. No unnecessary minutes. Just peak performance when it matters.
What’s Next?
The Clippers face the Sacramento Kings on November 28 at Golden 1 Center. Leonard’s status for that game will be determined by the team’s official injury report, released 90 minutes before tip-off—as per NBA rules. But given his track record this season, most expect him to play. The Lakers, meanwhile, head to San Francisco for their Christmas Day showdown with the Warriors, a game that now feels like a must-win after back-to-back losses.The November 26 game wasn’t just a win. It was validation. For Leonard, who’s spent his career proving he belongs among the greats. For the Clippers, who’ve spent decades proving they’re more than a footnote. And for LA basketball fans, who finally have two teams worth caring about—on the same court, in the same city, on the same night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kawhi Leonard’s performance compare to his past seasons?
Leonard’s 20.1 points per game this season is his highest average since 2020, when he won Finals MVP with the Toronto Raptors. His shooting efficiency—48.7% from the field—is also among his best in a decade. Unlike earlier seasons, when he’d vanish for stretches, he’s now playing 33+ minutes per game consistently, showing improved durability and conditioning under the Clippers’ medical staff.
Why is the Clippers-Lakers rivalry so intense despite both teams sharing a home arena?
The rivalry stems from decades of imbalance. The Lakers dominated LA basketball for 60 years, while the Clippers were seen as the team that couldn’t win. Even after moving into Crypto.com Arena in 1999, the Clippers were treated as tenants. Steve Ballmer’s ownership and the arrival of Leonard and George transformed the franchise’s culture—and its results. Now, when the Clippers beat the Lakers, it feels like an upset, even if it’s becoming routine.
What role does Tyronn Lue play in Leonard’s success?
Lue, a former NBA champion as a player and coach, has mastered the art of managing Leonard’s workload. He rarely plays him in back-to-back games, limits his minutes in blowouts, and designs offensive sets around his mid-range mastery. Unlike previous coaches who pushed Leonard to be a volume scorer, Lue lets him dictate the pace—making him more dangerous than ever.
Is this the best Clippers team ever?
Statistically, yes. The 2025-26 Clippers have the best start in franchise history through 15 games (10-5), surpassing the 2018-19 team that reached the Western Conference Finals. With Leonard, George, and emerging talent like Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris Sr., they’ve built a roster with elite defense, depth, and clutch execution. If they stay healthy, they’re serious title contenders.
What’s the significance of Leonard being from Los Angeles?
Leonard was born and raised in LA, played college ball at San Diego State, and still lives in the city during the offseason. Playing for the Clippers—his hometown team—is personal. He’s never worn a jersey from another city. When he makes a big play at Crypto.com Arena, the crowd doesn’t just cheer—they cheer for one of their own. That emotional connection adds a layer of intensity few players in the league can match.
What’s next for the Lakers after this loss?
The Lakers now face a critical stretch: three games in four days, starting with Christmas Day against the Warriors. Without Austin Reaves and with LeBron James showing signs of fatigue, their depth is exposed. Coach JJ Redick needs to find more consistent scoring from his bench. If they can’t solve their offensive rhythm, their playoff hopes could slip—even with LeBron’s brilliance.