Reaves and Kessler help the Lakers move to 2–0
Austin Reaves scored 28 points and handed out nine assists as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 125–117 at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, October 23. The victory, completed October 24 in Philippine time, moved the Lakers to 2–0.
Walker Kessler added 22 points, eight rebounds and six blocks, providing scoring around the basket and protection at the other end. Luka Dončić finished with 23 points, although his career-high 11 turnovers gave the Lakers another issue to address after the win.
The teams reached halftime tied at 64. The Lakers then scored 39 points in the third quarter to take a 103–90 advantage into the fourth, creating the cushion that ultimately separated the sides.
The Clippers reduced that margin to six late in the game. Darius Garland led them with 26 points and six assists, while Brook Lopez scored 22. Rui Hachimura contributed 16 points and six rebounds against his former team.
Turnovers were costly for the Clippers, who finished with 26. The Lakers converted those mistakes into 33 points, an important source of offense in a contest where both teams shot effectively.
The Lakers next visit Utah on Sunday, October 25, on the U.S. schedule. The Clippers travel to Oklahoma City the same day. Reaves and Kessler’s contributions secured the result even as the Lakers’ own ball security remained uneven.