nba

Lakers Edge Clippers as Leonard Leaves with Ankle Issue

The Lakers defeated the Clippers 125-122 behind Luka Doncic's 38-point performance, while Clippers star Kawhi Leonard exited the game late with left ankle soreness.

Leonard left the game with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when the Clippers were trailing by three points. The injury occurred at a critical juncture, and the Clippers were hoping that the Lakers' win would be the only bad news from the contest.

Despite Leonard's exit, the Clippers fought hard, with Bennedict Mathurin scoring 26 points before fouling out. The Lakers held on for the victory in the intra-city matchup.