The Lakers will continue their Christmas tradition as they as continue to play on this special day. They will battle the Los Angeles Clippers this time without the face of the Lakers, Kobe Bryant. The Lakers will look to revive the battle of the Los Angeles fans. Viewers can expect that this game will be an action-packed meeting. The Lakers look to rebound after they were swept 4-0 last season by the Clippers in the Kobe Bryant farewell tour. Fast forward to this year, Lakers fans can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Their young team has a massive upside and may give the veteran Clippers a gritty contest.
Photo credit via Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers started the season on a high note at 7-5, but then immediately the team was hit with the injury bug. Injuries have hit point guard D’Angelo Russell, power forward Julius Randle, and center Tarik Black at times this season. Strangely enough, the Lakers were in the playoff picture fighting for a spot but now they are far from it. Now, they are currently the 11th spot in the Western Conference at 11-21.
Of course, that is a result of a lengthy funk the young team expectedly encountered. They are 4-15 since those first 12 games and have now lost 10 of their last 11 games. This young team is lead by veteran Lou Williams who leads the team with 19.1 points per game. As a team, they average a total of 104.8 ppg and allow 110.9. Russell (15.1 ppg), forward Nick Young (14.7) and guard Jordan Clarkson (14.5) have provided solid play as well.
Photo credit via NBA
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers started the season at 10-1 which was their best start in franchise history. Presently, the Clippers have won their last two and they sit at 22-8, in third seed in the competitive Western Conference. Recently, the Clippers have received some bad news. A knee injury to forward Blake Griffin came at an inopportune time. Because of it, Griffin had knee surgery and will be out for four to six weeks. He also leads the Clippers in scoring with 21.2. However, playing well without Griffin has occurred on numerous occasions. Ironically, the team went 30-15 while Griffin recovered from a torn quad and a broken hand. The Clippers have enough offensive power without Griffin they will rely heavily on Chris Paul, JJ Redick, Jamal Crawford and Marreese Speights. Ultimately, the Clippers are averaging 109.8 points per game and allow 101.6 points.
Photo credit via NBA
Photo credit via The Score
Reasons to watch
Now the match might seem fair or a lopsided affair based on the team’s records. You can throw out the stats. As a matter of fact, you can toss the records out the window also. This young Lakers team will feel extremely motivated to get the win for their fans. Compared to the Clippers who may have a more laid-back approach to the contest. The game will take place in what people say is a neutral setting. However, it will be a Lakers home game due to all the Lakers fans outnumbering the Clippers fans. Believe it or not, don’t be surprised if the Lakers keep this game very close and pull out the upset victory.
The stats were provided by NBA and LA Daily News
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