In the first five games of the 2026-27 season, the Los Angeles Lakers got two close-up looks at Derrick Jones Jr. in their head-to-heads against the crosstown Los Angeles Clippers. DJJ followed up an impressive first go-around with another head-turning performance.
The first time the Clippers and Lakers played, Jones was the primary defender who helped force his old teammate, Luka Doncic, to commit a career-high 11 turnovers. Despite the 125-117 loss for his team, the athletic Clippers forward was mighty impressive on both ends. DJJ coupled that strong defense with 16 points, shooting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc,
Round two between the two Los Angeles teams was similar in a few ways to the first. The Lakers once again toppled the Clippers, but this time with a more one-sided 103-87 win. Jones was once again a standout for his team in the loss.
With no Doncic available for this matchup, Jones saw a lot of Austin Reaves defensively. The athletic forward was as disruptive as his team could have asked for. He once again was the lead cause of a high turnover night for the Lakers star he was guarding. Reaves finished the game with 8 giveaways.
Derrick Jones Jr. flashed elite 3-and-D play in both Lakers-Clippers matchups
Jones finished the second matchup against the Lakers with 15 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep, five rebounds, and four steals. Not too shabby.
There is nothing like making life hell for two offensive maestros to establish yourself as a clear standout despite your team falling short. Sure, Jones' scoring in both games was notable, too. However, it was the defense that really popped every time he was on the screen.
Both Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams have exceeded expectations for the Lakers to start the year. That makes the need to upgrade the forward spots less pressing in Los Angeles. Even so, if February comes around, and Rob Pelinka wants to make an all-in push before the deadline, one would imagine Jones near the top of the targets list.
The Lakers will get an added opportunity to see him make one final audition against them in the new year. The two Los Angeles teams will clash once more before the trade deadline this season. That meeting comes on Jan. 11.
There were murmurings in the offseason about the Clippers' willingness to operate in good faith so Jones can get to his next team, should that be something he wants before his contact expires at season's end. If DJJ points across town, one would imagine the Lakers will have plenty of interest.
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