Austin Reaves returned to the Lakers’ starting lineup for the first time in nearly two months and contributed 29 points to help Los Angeles secure a 125-122 win against their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. This victory lifts the Lakers to a 34-21 record, keeping them in fifth place as they push for a direct playoff spot during an intense eight-game home stretch.
The Clippers, coming off a hard-fought win against the Denver Nuggets just a day earlier, now hold a 27-29 record and sit eighth in the Western Conference. Reaves, alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, continues to form one of the league’s most potent offensive trios, with Doncic leading all scorers with 38 points and 11 assists, and James posting a double-double of 13 points and 11 assists.
Charles Barkley Questions Lakers’ Championship Chances
Despite the Lakers’ recent strong performance, former NBA star and current Inside the NBA panelist Charles Barkley expressed skepticism about their title prospects after the game. Barkley, who frequently shares candid opinions about teams and players, asserted that the Lakers are not legitimate contenders this season, even with their solid win over the Clippers.
They can win a round. I’m not gonna get in there and say [they are contenders] just because they beat a mediocre Clippers team. If they have to play Denver, Houston, OKC or Spurs, they are not going to beat those teams.
This blunt assessment was overheard by Reaves, who responded calmly when asked about Barkley’s remarks:
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.
Luka Doncic Confidently Addresses Barkley’s Critique
The Lakers are clearly relying on Doncic as their cornerstone as they prepare for the post-LeBron era, with the Slovenian star currently averaging 33 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. After the matchup, Doncic was asked how he would fare against Barkley if they faced each other in their primes. With a grin, Doncic said:
I’ll cook him for sure. I think it would [be a] talk a lot between us. I think we both talk a lot of trash talk. So I think it will be very fun. Happy birthday, Charles.
While Doncic is a leading offensive force in today’s NBA, Barkley remains one of the most formidable players of the 1990s, despite never capturing an NBA championship during his career.
LeBron James Praises Kawhi Leonard’s Tenacity Despite Injury
The rivalry between LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard has spanned years, and both continue to perform at a high level in the 2026 season. In Friday’s game, Leonard impressed once again before suffering an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter, forcing him out of the matchup. After the game, James lauded Leonard’s recent performances and resilience despite injury setbacks:
Kawhi’s awesome, man. He’s the best. He’s one of the best players ever. And I can care less about the injuries. There’s things you can’t control. You only can control the controllables. That guy’s awesome. The type of basketball he has been playing in the last couple of months, he is who he is for a reason.
Leonard finished with 31 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes, but his status will be crucial for the Clippers’ playoff ambitions as they hope the injury does not sideline their star for long.
Defense Concerns and Playoff Outlook for the Lakers
Although the Lakers boast an impressive record, many critics remain unconvinced about their chances to win the championship. Their defensive struggles, particularly against younger and more athletic squads, have raised questions about whether they can overcome tougher competition in the postseason. Analysts point to teams like Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs as potential hurdles the Lakers may not surmount.
The ongoing debate around the Lakers’ legitimacy as title contenders highlights both the team’s offensive strengths and lingering vulnerabilities. Austin Reaves and his teammates are aware of the doubts cast upon them but remain focused on proving their worth on the court.
"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion."
Austin Reaves after overhearing Charles saying the Lakers aren't a championship contender 😅 pic.twitter.com/jDXUTBQNCN
— ESPN (@espn) February 21, 2026
“Kawhi’s awesome, man. He’s the best. He's one of the best players ever. And I can care less about the injuries. There's things you can't control. You only can control the controllables … That guy's awesome.” – LeBron James in Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/xsyfZoBwCX
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 21, 2026
