The Los Angeles Lakers host the LA Clippers on Tuesday night in a pivotal NBA Cup group stage showdown that carries major bragging rights in the city. Both teams enter this contest with perfect 2-0 records in West Group B, making the winner the clear frontrunner to advance to the knockout round. The matchup features a stark contrast in early-season fortunes, with the Lakers riding high near the top of the Western Conference while the Clippers have struggled to find consistency.

Are Luka Doncic, LeBron James playing tonight against the Clippers?

Luka Doncic is available and will start for the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA’s leading scorer is averaging 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game this season. He has a well-documented history of strong performances against the Clippers dating back to his time with the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic recently admitted he always has extra motivation when facing the Clippers.

LeBron James is also set to play and is not listed on the Lakers’ injury report. The veteran star has returned from a sciatica issue and has appeared in two games this season. In those contests, he averaged 14.0 points and 10.0 assists per game while playing over 29 minutes in each. James recently became the first player in NBA history to appear in 23 seasons.

LA Lakers vs LA Clippers injury report for Nov. 25

Lakers injury report

The Los Angeles Lakers have just one player on their injury report for tonight’s game. Deandre Ayton is officially out with a right knee contusion. This leaves the team thin at the center position against a Clippers team that features strong interior players. This means Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber will probably see increased minutes in the frontcourt.

Clippers injury report

The LA Clippers have four players on their injury report. Bogdan Bogdanovic is questionable with a left hip contusion. Three players have been ruled out: Bradley Beal remains out for the season following left hip surgery, Derrick Jones Jr. is sidelined with a sprained MCL in his right knee, and Jordan Miller is out with a left hamstring injury. The return of Kawhi Leonard provides a boost after he missed significant time.

Kawhi Leonard returned to action on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 20 points in that contest. His availability gives the Clippers their star forward alongside James Harden and Ivica Zubac. The team will still be without several rotation pieces as they try to improve their 5-12 record.

Predicted lineups for Lakers vs Clippers for Nov. 25

These projections account for Deandre Ayton’s absence for the Lakers.

Where to watch the Lakers vs Clippers game?

Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM Pacific Time / 11:00 PM Eastern Time

Where to Watch: The game will be televised on NBC and Spectrum Sportsnet. Streaming options include Peacock.

Game preview and what to expect

The Los Angeles Lakers arrive with significant momentum, having won four consecutive games to improve to 12-4 overall. They rank third in the Western Conference standings. The team has found success despite being one of the league’s worst three-point shooting teams, ranking 26th in three-point percentage at 33.3%. Their offense instead relies on high-percentage shots, leading the NBA in points per shot at 1.42.

The LA Clippers have struggled throughout the early season, posting a 5-12 record that includes a 2-7 mark on the road. James Harden has been their standout performer, averaging 27.8 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. Ivica Zubac provides a strong interior presence with averages of 17.0 points and 11.6 rebounds. The recent return of Kawhi Leonard gives them additional scoring punch alongside Harden.

With both teams undefeated in NBA Cup group play, the stakes are elevated for this rivalry matchup. The Lakers have won four of the last five meetings between these teams, including all three games since acquiring Luka Doncic. Given the Lakers’ superior record, home court advantage, and overall form, the prediction is for the Los Angeles Lakers to secure the victory.