​LAS VEGAS — The Clippers kicked off their Las Vegas Summer League schedule with a 91-85 defeat to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. Los Angeles led 22-20 after the opening period, but Sacramento dominated the middle quarters, outscoring the Clippers 50-36 across the second and third frames. The Kings ultimately pushed their margin to 16 points before the Clippers mounted a late rally. With 18 seconds left, Los Angeles trimmed the gap to four, yet Sacramento guard Emanuel Sharp knocked down two free throws to seal the win for the Kings.
Sharp topped all scorers with 21 points, while rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr.—the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft—finished with 19 points and seven assists. Sacramento also owned a decisive 36-22 edge in points in the paint. For the Clippers, Cam Christie delivered one of the brightest performances, posting a game-high 15 points and eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 12 points, five rebounds, and three blocks, and Sean Pedulla and Nick Martinelli each contributed 11 points.
Keaton Wagler had a tougher night, as the fifth overall pick went for seven points, two rebounds, and one assist while shooting 1-for-7 from the floor in his Las Vegas Summer League debut. Yet the Clippers showed resilience in the second half, pulling closer after falling behind. A 10-0 run in the fourth quarter helped trim the deficit, only for Sharp to respond with a crucial three and a trip to the line on a late foul to stifle the comeback.
The Lakers will make their Las Vegas debut on Friday, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7 p.m. PT at the Thomas & Mack Center. Cameron Carr will be among the players to watch, having flashed promise during California Classic play. Carr has recently dealt with a toe issue, and forward Adou Thiero suffered a wrist injury, but Lakers Summer League coach Ty Abbott said both are expected to be available against Oklahoma City. The Lakers will then face a quick turnaround, meeting the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday in the second half of a back-to-back. Two-way players Chris Mañon, AK Okereke, and Peter Suder will also have opportunities to impress during the team’s Las Vegas stay.
Thursday’s opening night also featured a marquee matchup between the top two selections in the 2026 NBA Draft. No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa poured in 27 points as Washington defeated Utah 92-88, while the Jazz’s Darryn Peterson added 24 points. Peterson and the Jazz will present the Clippers with their next test on Sunday at 7 p.m. PT. In the meantime, the Lakers’ slate includes two games by the time the Clippers return to action.
As the Summer League unfolds, the Clippers aim to build momentum, identify contributors, and evaluate prospects for the upcoming season. The early impressions from Las Vegas suggest several players stepping into bigger roles, with Cam Christie showing versatility, Baba Miller delivering a solid all-around line, and Darius Acuff Jr. making a strong case as a rookie guard to watch. Sacramento’s balanced attack and late-game execution also provide a clear challenge for Los Angeles as they continue through the tournament. With key rookies and second-year players vying for minutes, both teams are using these exhibition games to refine rotations, test lineups, and gain valuable experience on the big summer stage.