Norman Powell scores 27 points, Kawhi Leonard has 25 and the Clippers move closer to locking up a top-six playoff seed with a 125-118 victory over LeBron James and the road-weary Lakers.
LOS ANGELES — There was nothing at stake when the Lakers and Clippers squared off Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Nothing, that is, but an improved playoff seeding, the likelihood of avoiding the NBA’s dreaded play-in tournament and a possible change in Hallway Series fortunes.
For a time, it appeared the much-anticipated game between the teams would not live up to expectations, with the Clippers leading by as many as 24 points in the opening minutes of the third quarter and the Lakers looking sluggish after four straight road games and a late-night trip home from Salt Lake City on Tuesday.
James scored 30 of his 33 points in the second half – finishing with eight rebounds, seven assists and six turnovers – as the Lakers attempted to rally from an early double-digit deficit. Davis had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Apart from a brief flurry midway through the third, they couldn’t get the Lakers where they needed to be and the streak continued.
Wednesday’s game was a homecoming of sorts for the Lakers, a home game for the Clippers. The teams entered a roiling cauldron at the Crypt with matching 41-38 overall records, including at home and on the road , adding intrigue to a matchup that rarely delivered the goods.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lakers and Clippers to face off in critical showdown ahead of playoffsThe Clippers, Warriors, Lakers and Pelicans are all tied with 38 losses. Wednesday night's game result may have a significant impact on playoff seeding and could be the difference between making the playoffs or going to the play-in tournament.
Read more »
Clippers bring plenty of motivation into game against LakersBoth teams are trying to avoid the play-in tournament going into Wednesday’s crucial late-season game at Crypto.com Arena, and Russell Westbrook surely has added incentive.
Read more »
'A lot’s at stake right now': What the Lakers-Clippers showdown means WednesdayThe Lakers and Clippers, who have never met in the postseason, meet Wednesday in a game that will have a big impact on each team's playoff hopes.
Read more »
Clippers vs. Lakers prediction: All eyes on LeBron James, Kawhi LeonardHow we’re betting Wednesday’s contest between the Clippers and Lakers, 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Read more »
Why Lakers-Clippers is huge for the Warriors' playoff fateIt turns out, tonight's Lakers-Clippers game is a very large piece of the Warriors' final playoff puzzle.
Read more »
LIV players welcome at Augusta but Norman unwanted at MastersMembers of LIV Golf may be welcome at Augusta National but the rebel circuit's polarising CEO Greg Norman did not get a Masters invite over concerns the Australian would be an unwanted distraction, club chairman Fred Ridley confirmed on Wednesday.
Read more »