The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, December 20, with tipoff set for 10:30 PM ET at Intuit Dome. The Lakers hold a 19-7 record and enter on a two-game winning streak, while the Clippers are 6-21 and have lost five straight.
Los Angeles faces several injuries, with Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness), Austin Reaves (left calf strain), and Gabe Vincent (low back soreness) ruled out. Rui Hachimura is questionable with right groin soreness, and Bronny James remains on assignment in the G League.
The Clippers are also dealing with significant absences, including Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain), and Chris Paul (not with team). Cam Christie is questionable with right foot soreness, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser is out with left knee soreness.
Lakers star Luka Doncic leads the team with 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, while Austin Reaves contributes 27.8 points and 5.6 rebounds when available. LeBron James adds 18.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in limited action. Rui Hachimura provides 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds.
The Clippers rely on James Harden, averaging 26.0 points and 8.1 assists per game, and Kawhi Leonard, who posts 24.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Ivica Zubac anchors the paint with 16.0 points and 11.5 rebounds, while John Collins and Kris Dunn provide additional scoring and playmaking.
Saturday’s matchup follows the teams’ November 25 meeting, which the Lakers won 135-118.
