Lakers Edge Clippers in Thrilling Contest, James Nears 43,000 Career Points
The Los Angeles Lakers held off a late charge from the LA Clippers, securing a narrow 125-122 victory on Thursday, February 21, 2026. The win keeps the Lakers firmly in the playoff conversation in a competitive Western Conference.
LeBron James contributed 13 points and 11 assists in the game, orchestrating the offense despite a relatively quiet scoring night. More significantly, James now has 42,988 career points, leaving him just 12 points shy of reaching the historic 43,000-point milestone.
The game saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Lakers building an early lead only to have the Clippers relentlessly close the gap. Los Angeles managed to maintain a slim advantage and secure the win.
Despite the loss, the Clippers received strong performances from their own stars. The team’s resilience in nearly overcoming the deficit highlighted their competitive spirit. Kawhi Leonard, however, did not play due to a left ankle injury, according to team reports.
The Lakers’ victory was a hard-fought affair, with both teams trading baskets down the stretch. A key factor in the win was the team’s ability to capitalize on crucial possessions and make key defensive stops when it mattered most.
James’ performance, while not statistically dominant in scoring, underscored his continued impact on the game as a playmaker and leader. His 11 assists were instrumental in facilitating the Lakers’ offense and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
