Lakers annihilate Clippers to close out Grammy road trip
The Los Angeles Lakers annihilated the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, winning 122-97. It was domination on both ends of the floor from start to finish for the Purple and Gold.
This was LA’s first game post-Luka Doncic trade, though Doncic won’t suit up until Saturday. Doncic was smiling and cheering for his teammates throughout the game.
Let’s break down how the Lakers beat their crosstown rival.
LeBron recognizes tonight’s win but more importantly extends his well wishes to every player involved in the blockbuster Luka trade, including his best friend AD 🥹
While it’s sad to close one chapter, LeBron said the Luka era is gonna be ‘special’ 💯pic.twitter.com/jffF1wKYVZ
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 5, 2025
Team defense
With the loss of Anthony Davis and Max Christie, the rest of the defense will need to put in a lot more effort. JJ Redick got exactly that from his group, as the team played with great effort and intensity.
LA held the Clippers to 97 points, holding James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac in check. Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent are the key defensive stoppers left on this team. However, if they can get a consistent effort from the players around them, like tonight, this team can still hold its own defensively.
Lakers rebounding effort
The Lakers dominated the Clippers on the glass in Tuesday’s win. This was surprising, as the Clippers are a solid rebounding team, and LA no longer has Davis down low.
The Purple and Gold managed to win the rebound battle 50-36 by boxing out and hustling for rebounds. They will need this continued effort moving forward as Rob Pelinka, and the front office look to acquire a center.
Lakers shooting
The Lakers also excelled at shooting the three-ball in the win. LA shot 18-37 (48.6%) from three, including Bronny James first career three-pointer.
If the Lakers are able to shoot at a high clip with Doncic and James as their playmakers, this team’s offense will be scary moving forward.
