The first Battle of L.A. of the season looks nothing like last year's version. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard both left town this summer, and Friday night is the Doncic era against a Clippers team running on fumes.

The Lakers beat the Warriors 127-105 in the opener. Doncic went for 28, 8 and 7, and Walker Kessler scored 26 on a perfect 12 of 12 from the floor. The Clippers handled the Kings behind Darius Garland's 30, but they are missing real pieces.

Betting angle

Lakers -9.5 (-110). Brandon Ingram and Max Strus are out, and Bradley Beal is unlikely to suit up. That is the Clippers' depth walking out the door against a Lakers team that just put 127 on Golden State at home. Lay the big number with the healthier, deeper home team.

Watch Friday at 9:00 PM CT on Spectrum SportsNet from Los Angeles.

Key Facts

  • Line: Lakers -9.5 (-110) vs Clippers
  • Tip: Friday 9:00 PM CT, Crypto.com Arena
  • TV: Spectrum SportsNet
  • Angle: Lakers 1-0 after a 22-point opener win, Clippers missing Ingram, Strus and likely Beal