Lakers ride Collin Sexton’s spark to win over Clippers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Collin Sexton’s expression told part of the story. His scoring and impactful energy supplied the rest.

Sexton scored a season-high 21 points off the bench, bringing the shorthanded Lakers a burst of energy in a 103-87 victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome.

“When I step in between those lines it’s us against them,” Sexton said. “I’m going to do whatever my team needs. I feel like I turn to a different person.”

Without two starters in Luka Dončić and Ziaire Williams, the Lakers leaned on their depth to improve to 4-1. Sexton made six of 11 shots and four of seven 3-pointers, helping them respond to Tuesday’s loss to Portland. 

His intensity also produced a facial reaction that circulated on social media. He was asked about the moment, Sexton described the mindset behind his pressure.

“I knew he didn’t want the ball,” Sexton said. “He didn’t want the pressure.”

Coach JJ Redick has seen how completely Sexton can immerse himself in a game.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get his attention because he gets locked in. He’s in the zone,” Redick said. “I like when he’s in go mode. It put pressure on the defense.”

That aggression became especially valuable in the third quarter after the Clippers cut an 18-point halftime deficit to seven.

The Lakers answered and Sexton delivered their final 11 points of the period, including consecutive 3-pointers. His scoring burst helped give them an 85-66 advantage entering the fourth and stopped the Clippers from building on their early second-half momentum. 

Sexton’s production complemented Quentin Grimes, who led the Lakers with 23 points. Austin Reaves added 16, Matisse Thybulle scored 15 and Walker Kessler finished with 11 points and nine rebounds. Jake LaRavia grabbed 10 rebounds. 

The Lakers had established their cushion with a 16-0 second-quarter run, turning a two-point deficit into a 45-31 lead. They held the Clippers to 17.6% shooting in the quarter and entered halftime ahead 56-38. 

Their defensive activity created offense throughout the night. 

The Lakers forced 24 turnovers and scored 31 points off those mistakes, finding opportunities to attack before the Clippers could organize their defense. Jarred Vanderbilt contributed in his first appearance of the season, while Sandro Mamukelashvili supplied 13 points and eight rebounds. 

A night after allowing Portland to score 136 points, the Lakers held the Clippers to 35.1% shooting. Rookie Keaton Wagler led the Clippers with 21 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 15 and Darius Garland scored 14. 

The Lakers visit Golden State on Friday to open NBA Cup group play.