LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 02/03/2022, 21:38  by Joseph King | Modified on 03/03/2022 at 03:39 in NBA Predictions

The two Los Angeles teams face off for the second time in a week when the Clippers and Lakers clash at the Crypto.com Arena. The last meeting between the two teams finished with a 105-102 Clippers win after the Lakers surrendered a late five point lead in the fourth quarter. It’s been a tough season for the Lakers who currently sit ninth in the Western Conference and are legitimately battling for a spot in the play-in tournament. It’s almost unfathomable to think that the Lakers were crowned champions only two seasons ago, but injuries and poor offseason moves have led to this current trainwreck from the league’s most famous franchise. The Lakers have now lost three straight and have a record of 27 wins and 34 losses. Their opponents, the Clippers, have a record of 33-31 and are riding a four game winning streak. They lead their city rivals by 4.5 games in the West standings and currently hold the eighth seed. 

A lot has been made of the Lakers injuries woes but the Clippers have been dealt an arguably worse hand, missing their two superstars for the majority of the season. However, this is a well-coached team and Ty Lue deserves a lot of credit for the mentality instilled in this squad - there are even rumblings that the former Cavaliers head coach could be in the race for the coach of the year award. The Clips seem to relish the underdog status that they have accrued with the absence of their high-profile stars and it is a stark contrast to the situation going on with the Lakers. Of course, the Lakers command much more media attention which makes it easier for their neighbors to go about their business, but this is a Lakers team that looks on the precipice of imploding.