Lakers lead Clippers 83-60 in Battle of L.A. Summer League
DIRECT ANSWER: The Los Angeles Lakers lead the LA Clippers in the NBA Summer League Battle of L.A. at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. VAVEL live updates show the Lakers ahead 83-60 after three quarters, building on a 24-16 first-quarter edge. The lakers summer league roster looks poised for a third straight Vegas win.
The crosstown rivalry does not wait for October. On Tuesday, July 14, the Clippers and Lakers renewed their Battle of L.A. in the 2026 NBA Summer League, and the purple and gold squad seized control early. By the end of the opening period, Los Angeles led 24-16 behind defensive intensity and Clippers mistakes, per VAVEL's live coverage.
Key Takeaways
- The Lakers entered 2-0 in Vegas and extended their run with a commanding lead through three quarters.
- Los Angeles led 54-38 at halftime and stretched the margin to 83-60 after the third, per VAVEL.
- Pre-game markets split: Clippers were slight spread favorites, but analysts leaned Lakers on talent depth.
- Rookies Cameron Carr (Lakers) and Keaton Wagler (Clippers) were the headline names before tip-off.
- Fans could stream the game on Amazon Prime Video at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Why Does the Lakers Summer League Run Matter?
Entering the game, the Lakers were one of four unbeaten Summer League teams in Las Vegas, alongside the Hawks, Warriors, and Wizards, according to Sports Betting Dime. A win would keep Los Angeles in the hunt for one of four semifinal spots on July 18.
The Lakers opened Vegas with a 96-84 win over Oklahoma City and a 91-70 rout of Dallas. The Clippers sat at 1-1 after a 91-85 loss to Sacramento and a 104-82 blowout of Utah, per Bettors Insider. Even without Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James, the Battle of L.A. still draws a crowd.
Who Were the Players to Watch Before Tip-Off?
Lakers rookie guard Cameron Carr, the No. 24 pick, scored 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting against Oklahoma City but missed the Dallas game with a right thumb contusion. Bettors Insider expected him back against the Clippers. In his absence, Adou Thiero dropped 20 points and Arthur Kaluma added 18.
For the Clippers, No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler bounced back from a quiet debut with 23 points, four assists, and 4-of-7 from three against Utah. Guard Cam Christie struggled through two Vegas games, shooting 4-of-18 overall, per Bettors Insider.
How Did the Game Unfold in Las Vegas?
After the 24-16 first quarter, the Lakers dominated the second. VAVEL reported an 18-point lead and a 54-38 halftime score. Los Angeles controlled tempo with efficient offense and relentless defense while the Clippers searched for answers.
The Clippers rallied to start the third quarter, trimming the deficit and forcing a Lakers timeout. But Los Angeles answered, and by the end of the period the score stood 83-60. The Lakers knocked down roughly 55% of their three-pointers at one stage, a gap the Clippers could not close.
Early in the fourth, VAVEL noted a physical quarter with both teams trading threes, yet the Lakers maintained a comfortable 20-point cushion. With minutes remaining, the purple and gold squad managed the clock and appeared headed toward victory.
What Did Experts Predict?
Books listed the Clippers as slight favorites at -3.5 on the spread and -155 on the moneyline, with the Lakers at +130, per Sports Betting Dime odds from DraftKings. Prediction markets gave the Clippers roughly a 61% win probability, while Kalshi priced the Lakers moneyline near +133.
Bettors Insider projected a 92-88 Lakers win and backed Los Angeles -1.5, citing Carr and Thiero as difference-makers. Sports Betting Dime's Ryan Potts also took the Lakers on the moneyline, calling the exhibition a coin flip but favoring the unbeaten side.
For more offbeat sports moments like a summer crosstown grudge match in the desert, browse our Bizarre World coverage.