The Lakers (26-16) are back in Los Angeles but will play a road game against the L.A. Clippers (19-24) on Thursday. The purple and gold look to build on the momentum they gained after a strong win against the Denver
Nuggets.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. L.A. Clippers
When: 7 p.m. PT, Jan. 22
Where: Intuit Dome
Watch: Prime Video, Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers’ most recent win against the Nuggets was much-needed. Yes, the Nuggets were down three starters, including Nikola Jokić, but it’s wins like this that could set the tone for them moving forward — especially in the midst of a pivotal eight-game road trip.
Now, the purple and gold’s next mission is to defeat the Clippers, who are currently playing their best basketball this season. After starting the season with an atrocious record of 6-21, the Clippers have completely turned things around. Since mid-December, they’ve won 14 of their last 16, including their most recent game against the Lakers.
A huge reason for the Clippers’ surge is their improved offense, which now ranks 13th best in the league. Kawhi Leonard — despite missing the last three games — has also turned up his production, as has James Harden. The team as a whole is shooting better from behind the arc and is competing harder on defense.
That said, the Lakers should also give the Clippers a better fight than they did last time. With Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton set to play in this matchup, that alone will be a huge difference.
Ultimately, what’s important is that the Lakers keep the main thing the main thing. That means continuing to stack wins, especially since they’ve fallen to fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Their game against the Clippers is vital because a win would bring the Lakers one step closer to owning the tiebreaker against their rival. And, with the West looking as competitive as ever, that might become important as the season goes on.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) are listed as out.
- As for the Clippers, Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Bogdan Bogdanovic (left hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr., (right knee sprain) and Chris Paul (not with team) are out.
- Kawhi Leonard (left knee contusion) is questionable.
- The season series between the Lakers and the Clippers is currently at 1-1.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
