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| image source latimes.com |
Playa Vista, California -- The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers faced each other under the bright Christmas and opening night spotlights, but Wednesday's clash between the two hallway rivals will actually have playoff implications.
In what is arguably the biggest game of the season and likely the most "meaningful" game for both teams, the Clippers and Lakers are desperately trying to avoid the play-in tournament next week.
In past seasons, the two teams have been contenders for the title and potentially faced each other in playoff series, but this will feel like a playoff battle between teams that share the same hallway at the Crypto.com Arena locker room.
Clippers center and former Laker Ivica Zubac said before practice, "We couldn't meet them in the (playoff) series that everyone, the fans, was expecting, but this is the closest thing so far.
"I think this is the most important game between Lakers and Clippers. You can feel it now. It will be the biggest game of the season for both teams. Can't wait."
The fact that Russell Westbrook will face his former Lakers team for the first time after being traded to Utah and subsequently bought out to make it possible for him to sign with the Clippers adds to the drama and intrigue.
Westbrook's half-season with the Lakers was well below expectations, and the always intense Westbrook is very eager to face off against LeBron James and the Lakers.
His new Clippers teammates are well aware of how much this game means to him, as a former MVP point guard.
Guard Norman Powell said, "We know what's being said in the media and what's being said about him and his time here. Since he's come here and we've welcomed him into the family, we've always shown support from Day One.
"Any player would want to stick it to the organization they used to be a part of when they play them, so I think it's an important game for him and for us."
The Clippers (41-38) remained in fifth place in the Western Conference despite losses by the Golden State Warriors, Lakers, and New Orleans Pelicans, heading into Tuesday night's game.
They will be shorthanded against a Lakers team missing All-Star Paul George (knee sprain). Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said they will wait and see how guard Eric Gordon's injured hip feels after Tuesday's practice, while Marcus Morris Sr. is out due to health and safety protocols.
The Lakers are on a 10-game winning streak against the Clippers, but the Clippers feel this meeting at their home game is different.
When asked why the Clippers have had so much success in direct matchups against the Lakers, Lue said, "It's different now. A lot of things are on the line. They're playing at a high level, and this is our first meaningful game that we actually get to play.
"I'm excited. Let's see what happens. I don't know how we did it last time against them, but tomorrow will be different."
