The Lakers (12-4) are back at home where they will play their next four games, starting with their neighbours, the L.A. Clippers (5-12), on Tuesday. This is an NBA Cup game for both teams with each currently
undefeated (2-0) in group play.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. L.A. Clippers
When: 8 p.m. PT, Nov. 25
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: NBC, Peacock, Spectrum Sportsnet
For the first time in what seems like forever, the Lakers have gotten off to a significantly better start to the season than the Clippers. The purple and gold have been spectacular on the road, are winning games despite major injuries to their roster and currently sit in second place in the Western Conference standings. On the flip side, the Clippers have lost 12 out of their first 17 games to start the season.
Granted, the Clippers are a much older team and have been hurt and are gradually getting healthy with Kawhi Leonard now back in the rotation. They have been carried by James Harden as he’s averaging a solid stat line of 27.8 points, 8.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Other than that, he needs most of his teammates to step up if they want to save their season and that can happen on Tuesday.
That said, with the first edition of the Battle of L.A. on deck, here are three storylines to look out for:
How will the Lakers make up for Deandre Ayton’s absence?
Ayton, who is ruled out in this one due to a right knee contusion, will be missed by the Lakers in this matchup. That’s because the Clippers have Ivica Zubac, who is averaging 17 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. The Lakers have had trouble with Zubac dating back to even before the Luka Dončić trade and, with Jaxson Hayes in charge of him on Tuesday, the Clips will have the matchup advantage.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Lakers can make up for Ayton’s absence.
Doncic’s rivalry with the Clippers
Dating back to his days with the Mavericks, Luka always gets up for games against the Clippers to the point that he admitted that he always has extra motivation every time he faces them.
That’s why, since Dončić became a Laker, the purple and gold have yet to lose to their intercity rivals. Games against the Clippers have become something to look forward to just because it’s always safe to assume that Dončić will be prepared for it and that will most likely be the case on Tuesday.
NBA Cup stakes on the line
With both teams being the only undefeated ones in Group B, there’s a lot at stake for this one. The Lakers look to stay undefeated in order to increase their chances of booking their ticket to the knockout round. Expect a competitive showdown from both teams, who have been playing well in NBA Cup nights this season.
Over the years, the matchup between the Lakers and Clippers has seen a lot of dramatic changes from roster construction to the Clippers moving out of Crypto.com Arena. In the midst of that, what’s always been certain when these two teams go at it is the excitement that comes with their battles. We should all be treated to another fun one on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, only Ayton (right knee contusion) is listed as out.
- As for the Clippers, Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Derrick Jones Jr., (right knee sprain) and Jordan Miller (left hamstring injury) are out. Bogdan Bogdanovic (left hip contusion) is questionable.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
