(Courtesy of LA Lakers)
The Lakers (41-39) lost a crucial game to the Clippers on Wednesday at the Crypto.com Arena. The loss, 125-118, lands the Lakers as the No. 7 seed and the Clippers at No. 5 in the Western Conference. The Lakers have lost to the Clippers eleven straight times.
With two games remaining in regular season play and now a full game behind the Warriors and Clippers, the Lakers are probably facing the play-in unless the Warriors or Clippers lose and the purple and gold win their last two games.
LeBron James got off to a low start scoring only three points in the first half. James finished the night with 33 points, 30 coming in the second half of the game, 13-of-20 shooting from the field, eight rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block. After the game, James had this to say about the loss and the travel-weary Lakers:
(Courtesy of LA Lakers)
“It’s one of the toughest games we’ve had this year,” James said. “Coming off the road trip and getting back late last night, after an overtime game … this was one of those scheduling conflicts in the season and definitely got the best of us tonight.”
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Anthony Davis had 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal for the Lakers, with other contributions coming from Austin Reaves, 20 points, and D’Angelo Russell, 20 points.
And how did former Laker Russell Westbrook react to playing against his former team? Westbrook appeared energized, scoring 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds. The Clippers were locked in, determined to secure a playoff spot.
“We came out with energy early,” Leonard said. “We kept our foot on the pedal.”
(Courtesy of LA Lakers)
In the absence of Paul George, Norman Powell, coming off the bench, led the way with 27 points, Kawhi Leonard added 25, Ivica Zubac scored 17 points and had 13 rebounds, and Bones Hyland with 14 points.
Ever caution, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue is not ready to say they are in good shape for the playoffs:
“I’m not a fan of the play-in tournament,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “We’re still not out of the clear yet.”
The Clippers face the Trailblazers on Saturday at home and the Phoenix Suns on Sunday in Phoenix. The Lakers face the Phoenix Suns on Friday and the Utah Jazz on Sunday; both games are at the Crypto.com Arena.
