The Los Angeles Lakers’ Big 3 of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves was firing on all cylinders during Tuesday’s 135-118 NBA Cup home victory over their crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Clippers, nearly cracking the 100-point mark.
After the decisive win, James was asked about how he would hypothetically go about trying to contain the trio’s offensive dominance, but comically opted not to divulge any “intel” about his squad.
LeBron James Plays Coy When Asked About How To Limit Lakers’ Star-Studded Offense
Dončić finished with a game-high 43 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists, and seven 3-pointers, shooting 14-for-28 (50%). The five-time All-Star did most of his damage before halftime, tying his season-high mark of 32 first-half points en route to his NBA-best fifth 40-point outing of the season.
Reaves chipped in 31 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, shooting 11-for-16 (68.8%). Meanwhile, James delivered a season-high 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 9-for-15 shooting (60%) as the Lakers’ top-three scoring options all turned in efficient showings.
Reaves and James came up big in the second half, scoring a combined 38 points, picking up the slack once Dončić cooled off to hinder the Clippers’ comeback effort.
Following the star-studded trio’s staggering 99-point night, one reporter was left scrambling for answers on how opponents can stop their versatile offensive attack, prompting a playful remark from James.
“You guys were each able to kind of dominate. Luka had the first quarter and the start of the fourth, and then Austin in the midway part of the fourth quarter. If you were trying to guard your team, how do you attack a group that’s so good offensively individually?” the reporter asked.
“I don’t have an answer for that. I actually do, but I’m not giving that intel out,” James replied with a smirk.
Reporter: “If you were trying to guard your team, how do you attack a group that’s so good offensively individually?”
LeBron: “I don’t have an answer for that. I actually do, but I’m not giving that intel out.” 😅
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) November 26, 2025
With Tuesday’s win, the Lakers (13-4) improved to 3-0 in NBA Cup action, clinching West Group B over the Clippers (5-13), who fell to 2-1 in group play and continued their early-season slide.
The Lakers have won five straight games and 11 of their last 13 contests overall despite James having made just three appearances as he continues to ramp up following his return from a back injury. The Purple and Gold now rank in the top 10 in offensive rating (117.1), a number that could increase as the four-time MVP rounds into midseason form.
James and Co. will look to extend their winning streak to six games during Friday’s home matchup against the lowly Dallas Mavericks (5-14), marking a possible revenge game for Dončić against his former team.
