Kawhi Scores 14 in Return, Clippers Hold Off Lakers 103–97

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard gestures after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles on Oct. 20, 2022. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES—Kawhi Leonard had 14 points and seven rebounds in his first game in 16 months, and the Los Angeles Clippers opened a season of sky-high expectations with a 103–97 victory over the Lakers on Thursday night.

Paul George scored 15 points and John Wall added 15 in his debut for the Clippers, who held on down the stretch to beat their more pedigreed Los Angeles rivals for the eighth consecutive time.