The LA Clippers are back in Los Angeles for an away game against their cross town rivals, the LA Lakers. While both teams have struggled throughout the season, they each come into this game with 2 game win streaks and some very needed momentum. Keep reading for a full preview of the Clippers’ game against the Lakers.
Game Information
Where: Crypto.com Arena
When: January 24th – 7:00PM PT
How to Watch: TNT, ClipperVision
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Terance Mann — Paul George — Kawhi Leonard — Marcus Morris, Sr. — Ivica Zubac
Lakers: Dennis Schröder — Patrick Beverley — Tory Brown Jr. — LeBron James — Thomas Bryant
Injury Report:
L.A. Clippers: Luke Kennard, OUT (calf); John Wall, OUT (abdominal); Brandon Boston Jr, Out (G-League); Moussa Diabate, Out (G-League); Jason Preston Out (G-League)
Lakers: Anthony Davis, OUT (foot); Austin Reaves, OUT (hamstring); Lonnie Walker IV, OUT (knee); Rui Hachimura, OUT (pending physical)
The Big Picture:
Clipper and Laker fans may not always agree on much, but one thing they can agree on is how mediocre both teams have been. The two injury-riddled LA teams have stumbled throughout the season, and now find themselves in the absolute rock-fight of a Western Conference where 1 game separates you from the play-in and 2 games separates you from Cancun. All that is to say that every win matters.
Since the Clippers’ urgency started last Friday according to Paul George (Utah apparently didn’t count), the team has been able to string together a well needed 2 game win streak. In a season where momentum has not been on their side, a third win against a conference rival would go a long way, especially considering the Clippers have one more game in LA, followed by a long 6 game road trip starting on Saturday.
Fortunately for the Clippers, they have had the Lakers’ number in recent years. In fact, the Clippers are 9-0 against the Lakers in the Ty Lue era (knock on wood for no preview jinx). A win tomorrow night would not only continue the good vibes and momentum, but it would also notch the season series victory against the Lakers, which could come in handy in the event of a tied record.
Let’s hope that the 10th time is not the charm for the cross town rivals!
The Antagonist:
Outside of the entire “not being good” theme, the two teams have very little in common. At first glance, the teams almost seem to be complete opposites of one another. Whereas the Clippers have an abundance of wings and a lack playmakers, the Lakers have arguably the best playmaker in the world in LeBron James, while missing any capable wing depth (although their recent acquisition of Rui Hachimura may help with that).
Stylistically, whereas the Clippers have lacked any true identity throughout the season, the Lakers have steadily shaped their identity of playing with intensity and heart (largely fueled by ex-Clipper Patrick Beverly). There is arguably no better testament to this never-quit culture than the Lakers’ most recent comeback victory, where they overcame a 25-point halftime deficit to snatch victory from Portland.
While the Clippers momentum comes from finally piecing together a couple of wins, the Lakers will come in buzzing from the 2nd biggest halftime deficit comeback in history. As mentioned throughout the preview, this game is important for both the Lakers and Clippers for momentum.
Overall, both teams will be fighting tooth and nail in this season’s 3rd battle of LA!
Notes
- The Anti-Luka: LeBron James has a 40-point game against every NBA franchise… except for the Clippers. For a (not so) fun reference, Luka has 4 40-point regular season games and 5 40-point playoff games against the Clippers. Let’s hope we can stay the exception!
- Rui Hachimura: The newly acquired Laker forward will not be able to make his debut against the Clippers tomorrow, which is a bit of a bullet dodged. Rui has averaged 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists against the Clippers throughout his career (6 game sample size).
- Kawhi Cooking: Contrary to what many fans and writers may have said, Kawhi has been absolutely cooking recently. In his last 5 games, he is averaging 30/6/4/2. Let’s see if this hot streak continues!
