Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers 24 October 2026 Prediction

Both Los Angeles teams opened the season with lopsided wins. The Lakers put their game against the Warriors out of reach by the end of the third quarter, winning 127-105 in Kessler’s debut. The Clippers beat Sacramento 121-96. Which team has the edge in their first meeting?

Kessler Makes an Immediate Impact for the Lakers

The Lakers’ 127-105 win over the Warriors showed why they traded for Kessler. The center quickly developed a connection with Dončić and scored 26 points without missing a shot, going 12-for-12 from the field. Only Wilt Chamberlain has made more shots without a miss in a Lakers game, going 14-for-14 in 1969.

Kessler’s arrival has helped the Lakers at both ends of the floor. Dončić has more room to operate: he scored 28 points through three quarters against Golden State and sat out the fourth, while Kessler gave the Lakers a reliable finisher at the rim. Los Angeles also collected 33 rebounds in the win.

Lakers Predicted Lineup: Dončić – Reaves, Thybulle – Williams, Kessler

Out: None

Manager: JJ Redick

Clippers Face Early Injury Absences

With several players injured to start the season, the Clippers have leaned on team defense. They scored 41 points in the first quarter of their opener against Sacramento and went on to win 121-96. The Kings, however, have lost seven straight games.

“We have to be a defense-first team and build from there. That mindset has to be in our DNA. The guys we’re starting the season with had to play that way to reach this level, so it’s nothing new to them,” Tyronn Lue said.

The Clippers’ absences should matter more against a stronger opponent. With Ingram, Beal, and Strus injured, Garland is the only starter consistently able to create his own shot and set up teammates. He scored 30 points against Sacramento. The rest of the lineup has contributed defensively, as Lue expects, but remains heavily dependent on Garland to generate offense.

Clippers Predicted Lineup: Garland – Dunn, Jones Jr. – Hachimura, Jackson

Out: Ingram, Beal, Strus, Niederhauser, and Miller (all injured)

Manager: Tyronn Lue

Home Teams Won All Four Meetings Last Season

The teams split their four regular-season meetings, with each winning twice at home. The Lakers won 135-118 and 125-122 at Crypto.com Arena; the Clippers won 103-88 and 112-104 at Intuit Dome.

Lakers vs Clippers Prediction: Lakers Handicap -9.5

Main prediction: The Lakers have more offensive options. Sacramento gave Garland room to run the Clippers’ offense, but the Lakers should offer more resistance. At the other end, the Clippers may struggle to contain Dončić and Kessler. Lopez tires quickly, and the visitors have few strong individual defenders available. The pick is Lakers -9.5 at 1.84.

Team total prediction: Without Ingram, Beal, and Strus, the Clippers rely heavily on Garland to create offense. Young Wagler and experienced Hachimura can contribute, but neither is a dependable alternative. The Lakers’ defense has improved after their summer trades, making 110 points a difficult target for the visitors. The pick is Clippers team total under 110.5 at 1.82.