

The Los Angeles Lakers opened their NBA Summer League campaign with an emphatic 99-85 victory over their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on July 15, 2026. The game, played at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, showcased the depth and talent of both teams' young cores, but it was the Lakers who controlled the tempo from the opening tip to secure a comfortable win.
Match Overview
From the outset, the Lakers established a commanding presence on both ends of the floor. Their defensive intensity forced the Clippers into difficult shots and early turnovers, allowing the Lakers to build a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the Lakers had stretched the advantage to 15 points, 52–37, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and efficient ball movement.
The Clippers attempted to rally in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits with a 10–2 run powered by their second-unit guards. However, the Lakers responded with a decisive 8–0 spurt to close the period, restoring a comfortable margin. The fourth quarter saw the Lakers maintain control, rotating their bench freely while keeping the Clippers at bay.
Key Moments
- First-quarter surge: The Lakers opened with a 14–2 run, fueled by aggressive drives to the rim and three-pointers from their rookie wing, Jameson Holt.
- Clippers' third-quarter push: A 10–2 run by the Clippers, led by guard Marcus Reeves, brought the score to 68–60 with 4:30 left in the third.
- Lakers' answer: A three-pointer by second-year guard Chris Davenport and a steal-and-dunk by forward Isaiah Torres closed the quarter with an 8–0 Lakers run, making it 76–60.
- Final minutes: With the Lakers leading 89–78 at the 5:00 mark, they executed a flawless pick-and-roll offense to drain the clock and seal the win.
Standout Performers
- Jameson Holt (Lakers): The rookie small forward scored a game-high 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 3 assists. His athleticism and perimeter shooting were key to the Lakers' early lead.
- Chris Davenport (Lakers): The second-year guard contributed 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, orchestrating the offense and disrupting the Clippers' passing lanes.
- Marcus Reeves (Clippers): Despite the loss, Reeves impressed with 20 points and 5 assists, showing composure under pressure and a smooth pull-up jumper.
- Isaiah Torres (Lakers): The undrafted forward recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, providing energy off the bench and protecting the rim.
Season Impact and Notes
For the Lakers, this win provides early momentum in the Summer League tournament, where they aim to evaluate their young talent and build chemistry ahead of training camp. The Clippers will look to adjust their rotations and improve their defensive communication after allowing the Lakers to shoot 48% from the field.
The NBA Summer League continues to be a vital platform for rookies, free agents, and developmental players. With this victory, the Lakers’ prospects, particularly Holt and Davenport, have already turned heads among scouts and front office personnel. The two clubs are scheduled to meet again in the regular season, but for now, this Summer League edition of the “Hallway Series” belongs to the purple and gold.