LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.20.26
LA Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Game Spread
Total Points
Tale of the Tape
Key Matchup: Top Scorers
K. Leonard
L. Doncic
Detailed Analysis
LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.20.26
The “Hallway Series” returns to crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026, at 10:00 PM, featuring a high-stakes divisional clash between the LA Clippers (27-28) and the Los Angeles Lakers (33-21). As the regular season intensifies, the Lakers look to solidify their top-four seeding, while a shorthanded Clippers squad fights to stay above .500 in a crowded Western Conference landscape.
LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Matchup Preview
LA Clippers Key Stats & Trends
The Clippers’ season has become a test of endurance for Kawhi Leonard. Leonard remains elite, averaging 27.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 2.1 SPG, carrying a massive usage rate. However, the team’s offensive rhythm has faltered due to a lack of secondary playmaking. Without their primary backcourt, the Clippers have struggled to maintain efficiency in transition, relying heavily on isolation sets that slow the tempo and limit easy scoring opportunities.
Injury Report LA Clippers
- Darius Garland (Out): Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
- Bradley Beal (Out): Beal will undergo season-ending surgery on his left hip, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
Los Angeles Lakers Key Stats & Trends
In contrast, the Lakers are firing on all cylinders behind the brilliance of Luka Doncic. Doncic is putting up historic numbers with 32.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 8.6 APG, orchestrating an offense that ranks among the league’s best. The interior presence of Deandre Ayton (8.5 RPG) provides the necessary rim protection and rebounding to ignite the Lakers’ fast break. With a healthy supporting cast including Austin Reaves and a 41-year-old LeBron James, the Lakers possess too much depth for a depleted Clippers rotation.
LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Best Bet
The Clippers simply lack the perimeter firepower to keep pace with the Lakers’ offensive engine. The absence of Garland and Beal leaves Leonard isolated against a Lakers defense that can throw multiple looks at him. Expect Doncic to exploit the Clippers’ thin backcourt rotation early and often. We are backing the Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 (Spread) as the superior depth and star power should lead to a comfortable victory. Regarding the total, the Lakers’ high-octane offense combined with Leonard’s efficiency suggests the 223.5 line is too low; our pick is the over.
Last 5 Games: LAC
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Denver | W 115-114 | Mathurin 38 | Collins 12 | Dunn 8 |
| @ Houston | W 105-102 | Leonard 27 | Leonard 12 | Dunn 6 |
| @ Houston | L 102-95 | Leonard 24 | Leonard 8 | Dunn 7 |
| @ Minnesota | W 115-96 | Leonard 41 | Leonard 8 | Dunn 6 |
| @ Sacramento | W 114-111 | Leonard 31 | Leonard 9 | Leonard 7 |
Last 5 Games: LAL
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Dallas | W 124-104 | James 28 | James 10 | James 12 |
| vs San Antonio | L 136-108 | Kennard 14 | Knecht 5 | James 6 |
| vs Oklahoma City | L 119-110 | James 22 | Ayton 10 | James 10 |
| vs Golden State | W 105-99 | James 20 | Vanderbilt 8 | James 10 |
| vs Philadelphia | W 119-115 | Reaves 35 | Hachimura 7 | James 10 |
Written by Matt Dorsey
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.
