In another Battle of Los Angeles, the result was anyone’s guess. The Lakers and Clippers met for the fourth time this season, with the Clips leading the season series 3-0.
Led by Reggie Jackson‘s 36 points, the Clippers showed that Los Angeles was their city tonight. The entire team was phenomenal, shooting about 55% from the field (63% from the three-point line). Not only did they outrebound the Lakers, but they had a 26-4 run in the third quarter that took the life out of the Purple & Gold.
In the first half, it was a close game between the two inner-city rivals. Despite the Clippers jumping out to a 66-49 lead late in the second quarter, the Lakers went on a 14-0 run to cut the deficit to three at halftime. Before the half ended, a particular shooting guard made a statement play.
MALIK ??
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 4, 2022
Makes it a 14-0 run for the #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/fKGCXxh1iF
But, that dreaded third quarter came, and all hope was lost for the Lakers.
The Clippers outscored the Purple & Gold 40-14 in the third quarter, and their stranglehold against the Lakers continued into the fourth. This was when PG Reggie Jackson came and put them to sleep.
Reggie Jackson hits the jumper + the foul ? pic.twitter.com/8DU6UUSpxx
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 4, 2022
This was two of Jackson’s 12 points in the fourth quarter as his squad won their fourth straight against the Lake Show this year.
Fellow teammate Ivica Zubac finished with 19 points and nine rebounds.
As for the Lakers, LeBron James did all he could. He finished with 26 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Russell Westbrook had 17 to go along with his three assists.
My Thoughts
What a mess.
This loss against the Clippers will mark the Lakers’ fourth straight loss and seventh out of their last eight. Instead of attempting to make ground in the standings, the Purple & Gold come one loss closer to falling to the tenth seed in the West.
Adding DJ Augustin and Wenyen Gabriel will not save this team. The supporting cast wasn’t of much help to LeBron tonight. But, this isn’t something new.
Defensively, the Lakers are completely unfocused. Allowing 132 points to a team that ranks 25th in scoring is unacceptable. Jackson was having a night against this squad, and they had no answer for him.
Offensively, there is no solution. You can argue that the team had five guys in double figures. But, if the team is shooting with no efficiency, then they can be categorized as “empty points”.
There are 20 games left for the Lakers this season. But, there’s just this feeling from Lakers fans that this season is over. No solution is in sight for this team.
Anthony Davis isn’t coming back anytime soon. He might as well call it quits for the rest of the year.
LeBron James? Take a seat, King. There’s no point in playing when you’re likely going to miss a chance at the playoffs altogether.
The Lakers play the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. It’s on national television. Get ready to be embarrassed by 20+.
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