From two different perspectives, the last game for the LA Clippers panned out differently than the previous one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Through their third of four meetings of the season, both teams were eager to end with victory, but the Lakers presented more fight and won by four points.
The Clippers, led by superstars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, played with disappointing effort and low IQ. Several turnovers should not have occurred, and many shots could have been passed up for better.
Outside of a forced three-point attempt from Leonard in the clutch, he posted a solid stat line. The two-time champion ended with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a +/- of +7.
However, Harden essentially handed the game over to Los Angeles. He constantly launched contested step-back three-pointers and mishandled the ball on possessions the Clippers needed to score.
Though Harden had 18 points, he shot 5-22 from the field, 1-10 from three, and turned the ball over six times. The Clippers should not have winning expectations with their best player playing this type of basketball.
Despite losing, the Clippers still hold the sixth seed as the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves suffered losses in must-win games to move up in the standings.
Conversely, the Lakers played an exceptional game against the Clippers without help from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Reaves exited the game after nine minutes and did not return due to calf soreness.
The Lakers received contributions from nearly every player, but LeBron James and Luka Dončić ultimately led them. At age 40, James scored 28 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. Dončić, the newcomer to Los Angeles, dominated with 31 points, five assists, and a crucial three-pointer to help defeat the Clippers.
Additionally, the Lakers will be just as hopeful to win as they can jump the Nuggets for the second seed.
Nonetheless, this is a major battle for both teams, which increases the suspense in the Battle of LA.
Are Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell playing tonight?
Kawhi Leonard is healthy and will play tonight, as should Norman Powell, who reported probable with left patellar tendinopathy. This will be his first game since the all-star break if he plays.
Full injury report for Clippers vs. Lakers March 2nd
Patrick Baldwin Jr., Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers, and Seth Lundy will miss tonight as they are in the G-League; Derrick Jones Jr. will not play due to a right groin strain. Ben Simmons is questionable with left knee soreness.
The Lakers have ruled out Austin Reaves(right calf strain), Rui Hachimura(left patellar tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber(surgery recovery), and Jordan Goodwin(right ankle sprain). Luka Dončić and LeBron James are questionable with injury management.