The Clippers opened the season with a win despite major injuries and the absence of suspended owner Steve Ballmer, whose salary-cap circumvention violation cost the team five first-round picks. Coach Tyronn Lue dedicated the victory to Ballmer, drawing criticism from a columnist who says the franchise should prioritize its fans. Meanwhile, Walker Kessler made a standout Lakers debut, while Suns center Oso Ighodaro left the opener with a hip injury.

By the Numbers
  • Clippers 121, Kings 96.
  • The Clippers lost five first-round picks as a result of the salary-cap circumvention case.
  • Kessler scored 26 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, making all 12 field-goal attempts.
  • The Lakers led by as many as 35 points and won by 22.
  • Ighodaro played in 82 regular-season games and 6 playoff games for Phoenix last season.
Yes, But

Lue and Clippers players publicly voiced support for Ballmer, who is suspended for the season. But critics argue the team’s response to the scandal has not done enough for fans, despite allowing 4,000 customers to exchange Leonard jerseys.

State of Play
  • The Clippers are navigating injuries to several players, including Brandon Ingram, Max Strus and Jordan Miller.
  • The Lakers started strong, but Luka Dončić says the team has room to improve.
  • Ighodaro was ruled out after injuring his right hip in the second quarter; the severity is unknown.
What's Next

The Clippers will have to manage a depleted roster through the season while dealing with the fallout from Ballmer’s suspension. The Lakers will look to build on their opening-night performance, and Phoenix awaits more information on Ighodaro’s injury.

Bottom Line

Strong opening-night results offered a glimpse of the Lakers’ potential, but the Clippers’ win came amid bigger questions about accountability, fan trust and how the team will cope with its losses.