Lakers: Lakers beat Clippers 103-87 without Doncic

Quentin Grimes scored 23 points and Collin Sexton added 21 off the bench as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 103-87 on Wednesday night in Inglewood, California.

The victory marked the Lakers' second win against their city rivals in seven days. Sexton's 21 points represent his highest scoring total this season. The Lakers played on a back-to-back schedule for the first time this campaign, having competed the previous evening.

Luka Doncic did not play due to back stiffness. Coach JJ Redick described the decision to rest Doncic as a precaution. Star guard Doncic leads the league in scoring average at 36 points per game. Forward Ziaire Williams also sat out with left foot pain.

Six Lakers players recorded double-digit scores in the absence of their leading scorer. Austin Reaves finished with 16 points and Matisse Thybulle contributed 15. Both Sexton and Thybulle made four three-pointers each. The Lakers improved their record to 4-1.

Keaton Wagler led the Clippers with 21 points, a career high for the rookie. The Clippers fell to 1-3 and suffered their third straight loss. They had lost to the Lakers by eight points on Friday. Rui Hachimura missed the game with left quadriceps stiffness while playing against his former team.