In a highly anticipated NBA matchup, Luka Doncic has been cleared to play for the Los Angeles Lakers as they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on January 22, 2026. The star guard is not listed on the injury report and is expected to handle his usual significant workload for the Lakers, providing a major boost to their offensive strategy.
High-Stakes Western Conference Battle
This game arrives at a critical juncture for both franchises. The Lakers find themselves in the midst of an extended road trip, desperately needing consistent victories to maintain their position in the highly competitive Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Clippers have emerged as one of the league's hottest teams, riding a wave of momentum as they strive to protect their home court advantage at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, a venue they're still adapting to.
Game Details and Recent History
The matchup is scheduled to tip off at approximately 7:00 PM local time. These cross-town rivals last met on December 20, when the Clippers dominated from start to finish in a convincing 103-88 victory. That decisive win helped the Clippers break out of a difficult stretch and sparked an impressive 13-3 run that has fundamentally reshaped their season trajectory.
The Lakers enter this contest with their own positive momentum, coming off a dramatic 115-107 comeback victory over the Denver Nuggets. In that game, they erased a substantial 14-point halftime deficit, demonstrating their ability to close out games effectively when their star players are on the court and performing at their peak.
Luka Doncic's Central Role for the Lakers
Luka Doncic has been absolutely central to everything the Lakers accomplish offensively this season. He currently leads the entire NBA in scoring, averaging approximately 33.5 points per game while also ranking among the team leaders in both rebounds and assists. His recent performance against Denver showcased his all-around brilliance, as he finished with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his fifth triple-double of the season.
His performances against the Clippers this year highlight just how unpredictable this particular matchup can be. In one previous meeting, the Clippers managed to contain him effectively, limiting him to just 14 combined points and assists. However, in another encounter, he exploded for a spectacular 56-point outburst. How the Clippers choose to defend him tonight will likely serve as a primary factor in determining the game's outcome.
Injury Situation for Both Teams
The Los Angeles Lakers will benefit from having both Luka Doncic and LeBron James available for this crucial game. James contributed 19 points in the victory over Denver, which represented his lowest scoring total for the month. The Lakers' supporting cast faces some challenges, with Austin Reaves sidelined due to a calf injury and Ad Thiero also unavailable.
The Clippers are dealing with more significant absences on their roster. Kawhi Leonard is listed as probable with a knee contusion, while Bojan Bogdanović is out with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Derrick Jones Jr. is sidelined with an ACL sprain, and Bradley Beal is out for the remainder of the season. With these key players missing, James Harden has assumed greater responsibility, averaging an impressive 28.2 points during the team's recent successful run. John Collins has also stepped up significantly, contributing an average of 15.2 points per game.
Key Factors to Watch in Tonight's Game
The Clippers enter with considerable momentum but face challenges due to their limited depth. The Lakers, conversely, rely heavily on their top two superstar players to manage close games in critical moments. While projections suggest Doncic may finish below 41.5 combined points and assists, recent performances indicate he could potentially exceed that threshold if the Lakers require late-game scoring. In a rivalry as familiar and intense as this one, execution during the final minutes will likely prove decisive in determining the victor.
