The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 116-102 in their first game and victory in the Intuit Dome. For the first quarter, the Clippers and Lakers were engaged in a fierce battle. However, the Clippers stormed off in the second quarter and didn’t look back. Notably, Lakers star LeBron James heaped huge praise on Clippers’ James Harden.
Harden performed admirably against the Lakers alongside his teammates. Almost every player for the Clippers performed at the Intuit Dome. Norman Powell led the Clippers in scoring with 22 points (9–17 FG), four rebounds, one assist, and three steals. James Harden, who finished with 21 points (7-19 FG), four rebounds, 12 assists, and one steal, also had a great performance.
Simply just a great player who loves to play the game. Plays at his own pace. Has won every stop that he’s been at… He’s just a guy who’s a selfless guy, go out there and just plays the game. He’s been able to reinvent himself. At one point he was giving guys 50-point triple-doubles. 60-point triple-doubles. He just plays the game the right way.
LeBron James said
LeBron James on James Harden:
“Simply just a great player who loves to play the game. Plays at his own pace. Has won every stop that he’s been at… OKC I played against him when he was super young… Went off to Houston and we know what he did down there. Went to Philly and… pic.twitter.com/iw4ztIwkh1
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 20, 2025
James finished with 25 points (9–20 FG), five rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and one block, ending as the Lakers’ top scorer. Rui Hachimura scored 19 points (9–14 FG), pulled down seven boards, and dished out one assist in one of his stronger performances. With 16 points (5–14 FG), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks, Anthony Davis had a poorer performance.
The loss can mainly be attributed to the Lakers’ poor ball security, as well as their subpar defense. Many of their 15 turnovers were quite awful, demonstrating their inability to protect the ball against fierce opposition. It was a dismal performance that highlighted a serious weakness in the squad that JJ Redick has yet to fix. Austin Reaves and James were the main culprits, both turning the ball over five times.
LeBron James makes honest admission regarding recent Lakers loss
Despite having the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving away the ball 15 times against a strong Los Angeles Clippers side is atrocious. As mentioned above, James and Austin Reaves gave away the ball 5 times. Regardless of how much time they spend with the ball, it is absurd that two players account for 66% of the team’s turnovers. It’s safe to say that, James agrees with this.
When you’re playing against a great team, you got to limit your mistakes, offensively and defensively, cause they make you pay and I think they did that tonight.
After the game, LeBron James told the reporters
“When you’re playing against a great team, you got to limit your mistakes, offensively and defensively, cause they make you pay and I think they did that tonight.”
-LeBron James recaps tonight’s loss in Inglewood. pic.twitter.com/hUZ1BrhkNg
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 20, 2025
With three turnovers of his own, Anthony Davis was not far behind. 13 of the team’s 15 turnovers were committed by the Lakers’ big three. With an average of 13.3 turnovers per game, the Lakers rank sixth in the NBA in terms of turnovers; yet, they typically face fierce opposition on their large turnover games. Up next for the Lakers are the Washington Wizards at the Crypto.com Arena.
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