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

Prediction published on 24/01/2023, 09:52  by Joseph King | Modified on 24/01/2023 at 09:52 in NBA Predictions

What looked to be the start of an intense rivalry just a few seasons ago, the “Battle for LA” sadly has not been as relevant as many would have hoped given each team’s disappointing results over the years. Still, when the LA Lakers and LA Clippers face off there is still a lot to be excited about. The two teams meet for the third time this season at the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers still searching for their first win over their city rivals since 2020. The Clippers have dominated this matchup over the years, winning nine straight against the Lakers.

The season hasn’t gone as planned for the Clippers however, as they now sit sixth in a tightly contested Western Conference with a record of 25 wins and 24 losses. They could easily see their playoff position disappear with a couple of consecutive losses as they hold only a one game lead over 11th-place Oklahoma City. The Clippers are certainly better than their record would suggest given their talent level with the likes of Leonard and George continuing to get minutes together.

For the Lakers, they continue to keep their heads just above water without their key big man Anthony Davis. LA is 10-9 since he went down which is certainly a respectable mark given how important Davis is to their overall team. The Lakers now sit 12th in the Western Conference but, as we mentioned before, the congestion of the team records means a winning run of a couple of games can propel LA into the top eight. They have won 22 games and lost 25 so far this year. 

One of the players to step up recently has been Russell Westbrook. Although he struggled in the Lakers most recent 121-112 win over Portland, had previously recorded 20+ points in six of seven games. The ageless wonder LeBron James continues to play at an elite level despite his 37 years of age. James is averaging 29.8 points per game, the fourth highest mark in his career, while also chipping in with 8.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. The four-time MVP has scored 30+ in four of his last five outings.