When the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers collide, it is a spectacle to witness, especially since the Clippers are no longer the league’s laughingstock. In contrast, the Lakers and LeBron James have struggled in these contests during the previous three seasons. Indeed, their most recent triumph over the Clippers took place on July 30, 2020, marking precisely three years and three months have passed since the present matchup on Wednesday night.
Since that significant event, the Clippers have maintained a dominant record against the Lakers, triumphing eleven times in a row at home against the Purple and Gold. Furthermore, as of Wednesday evening, it seemed that this trend would continue. The Clippers dominated the Lakers by a double-digit advantage in the early going thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s phenomenal first half, which brought back memories of classic contests.
However, this folly was resolved by LeBron James on behalf of the Lakers. In an overtime 130-125 victory over the Clippers, James spearheaded the effort with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, putting an end to the team’s 11-game losing streak against the Clippers and securing their first victory against their in-city rivals in over three years. Additionally, it was reported by Farbod Esnaashari of SI’s Fan Nation that this victory represents James’ first triumph against Tyronn Lue, who was his head coach when he was employed by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During their rivalry with the Clippers, the Lakers needed the entire squad, including James, to exert a herculean effort in stopping the bleeding. In addition, their performances left an indelible impression; D’Angelo Russell, who maintained the lead for the Lakers with 27 points, and Cam Reddish, who substituted for the injured Taurean Prince and played an incredibly active defensive game, both contributed to that.
They conceded despite establishing an eight-point lead in the final minutes of the contest, as Paul George and the Clippers mounted a storming recovery that was adequate to force overtime. Particularly on the second night of a back-to-back, the Clippers ultimately lacked the firepower necessary to keep up due to fouls committed by George and Norman Powell. However, Lakers supporters are solely concerned with victory, and that is precisely what they accomplished tonight.
