LOS ANGELES — Even though they’ve only played seven games together as teammates, it’s already become customary for LeBron James and Luka Doncic to lead the Lakers to victories.

The Lakers’ 106-102 win over the Clippers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, the Clippers’ first game at their old home arena since moving into Intuit Dome, was not only their fifth straight win and 17th victory in their last 21 games, but also their fifth win in the Doncic-James era.

The Clippers (32-27) have dropped four of their last five games.

But even with Doncic (31 points, five assists, two rebounds) and James (28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists) combining for 59 points, 15 rebounds and right assists, the Lakers (37-21) needed more than just their stars to be a season-best 16 games above .500 — especially playing most of Friday down two starters.

They needed Jarred Vanderbilt being a pest defensively — including stopping James Harden (18 points on 5-of-22 shooting, nine assists and seven rebounds) in isolation late in the third quarter before drawing a foul on Harden while fighting for a loose ball.

The Lakers needed two-way players Jordan Goodwin (six points, five rebounds, two assists) and Trey Jemison (five points, six rebounds) stepping up in their increased opportunities, both standing out with hustle plays.

They needed Dorian Finney-Smith’s steal with 2:19 remaining that led to Doncic assisting James on a layup in transition, putting the Lakers up 104-98.

The Clippers kept the game close late, winning a pair of challenges late to get possession down by four.

But Bogdan Bogdanovic’s 3-point attempt with 10 seconds left rimmed out, sealing the victory for the Lakers against their former co-tenants.

Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 27 points and 16 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard finished with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Kris Dunn added 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

The Lakers entered Friday already without starting forward Rui Hachimura, who sat out because of a strained left knee.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said that Hachimura had imaging done on the knee.

“Still getting more information,”Redick said pregame. “We’re optimistic this is not a serious injury. But it’s still not quite clear on when he will be available to play. But we’re optimistic.”

Starting guard Austin Reaves exited the game early in the first quarter, going back to the locker room after being subbed out as part of his normal rotation pattern.

The team said during the second quarter that Reaves wasn’t going to return because of right calf soreness. ESPN reported during Friday’s game that Reaves was scheduled to get an MRI today.

The Lakers and Clippers will play each other again at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.