Lakers look to move up to two seed against Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers could move up the two seed in the Western Conference with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Lakers have won five straight games, including a win over the Clippers on Friday. However, LA is banged up with two starters out, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Ahead of the game, let’s break down how the Lakers could take down the Clippers.
NUGGETS LOSE. THE LAKERS CAN TAKE THE 2 SEED WITH A WIN TONIGHT 🫣 https://t.co/nSsYacSJrS
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 2, 2025
Bench Production
The Purple and Gold will need production from their bench despite being short-handed. With Reaves and Hachimura out, Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith will likely be thrust into the starting five.
They will also be without Jordan Goodwin, who has been a productive role player off the bench. LA will need Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Trey Jemison III, and others to contribute at a high level.
LeBron and Luka carrying the offense
While it can’t be all on the stars, the Lakers will need a lot from LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The superstar duo need to carry the offense with their third and fourth scoring options out.
James and Doncic are both elite scorers and playmakers, making it difficult to defend them. Look for the duo to get their teammates involved while also scoring themselves.
A win for the Lakers would move them up to the second seed in the West. That would set LA up for a great close to the season, but their demanding March schedule will make it tough.
