What Happened
The Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night, ultimately losing 125-122. The game saw the Clippers attempt a comeback after trailing by as much as 15 points in the first half. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points before leaving the game due to an ankle injury.
Why It Matters
This loss marks a split in the crosstown rivalry series between the Clippers and Lakers. Despite the defeat, the Clippers demonstrated their resilience, narrowing the Lakers’ lead significantly in the second half. Leonard’s performance continues to highlight his importance to the team, as he has scored over 20 points in 36 consecutive games, averaging 29.3 points in February alone.
What’s Next
The Clippers will look to bounce back in their upcoming games, with a home matchup against the Grizzlies on February 27 and a visit to Powell River on February 28. As the season progresses, maintaining team chemistry and health will be crucial for the Clippers, especially following the trade deadline that left the roster significantly altered.