Media

3-Time NBA Champion Details Why Lakers Can’t Afford to Lose to Clippers in Bubble Opener

Published by
Logan Reardon

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have dominated the NBA this season.

The Lakers sit at 49-14, first in the Western Conference, and the Clippers are 44-20, second in the Western Conference.

In their first three matchups of the regular season, the Clippers won twice. But the Lakers won the most recent matchup on March 8, just before the COVID-19 pandemic halted the NBA season.

Despite the Lakers winning the most recent matchup, three-time NBA champion B.J. Armstrong joined an episode of the “Heatcheck: Overtime” podcast to say why he thinks the Lakers have to beat the Clippers in Thursday’s contest.

“I don’t think the L.A. Clippers are not going to show their hand. They have the perfect excuse not to because they don’t have their full roster available. The one thing I know about Doc Rivers, he won’t want to give the Lakers any confidence,” Armstrong explained.

“The Clippers feel in their heart of hearts they can beat the Lakers at full strength. They are not worried about what the Lakers are doing because they feel they are better than the Lakers. The Clippers are going to say, ‘We are not at full strength, it’s just another game.’ But make no mistake, when they meet down the line when the playoffs begin, that is when they will really turn it up.

“The big thing Rivers wants is to not give the Lakers any confidence. Mentally, this is a gamesmanship [edge] he is looking to get. If the Lakers lose to the Clippers, I think that could be very damaging to the Lakers right now and Rivers understands that.”

The Clippers haven’t played at full strength for much of the season, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George taking multiple games off for various injuries and load management.

The Lakers certainly have more team chemistry, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis have only missed a combined 11 games so far this season. Leonard and George have already missed 35 combined games.

Either way, it’s sure to be a tight battle and a probable playoff preview when the ball tips on Thursday night at 6 p.m. PST.

Logan Reardon

Logan is a recent graduate of Quinnipiac University. He’s been an avid NBA fan for his entire life. Growing up fan of the Boston Celtics, Logan is well-versed in the legendary history of the Los Angeles Lakers. Follow him on Twitter @LoganReardon20.

Published by
Logan Reardon

Recent Posts

Report: NBA reopening investigation into Jaxson Hayes after disturbing footage surfaces

The NBA is reportedly reopening its investigation into a 2021 incident involving Los Angeles Lakers…

November 3, 2024

Report: Jalen Hood-Schifino has drawn interest from Utah Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers used a first-round pick on Jalen Hood-Schifino back in the 2023…

November 2, 2024

Report: Lakers could run into trouble with pursuit of Walker Kessler

The Athletic's Jovan Buha became the latest person to connect the Los Angeles Lakers to…

November 1, 2024

Ex-NBA player ‘honored’ that LeBron James has him blocked on X

Former NBA player turned political candidate Royce White made a post on X on Thursday…

November 1, 2024

LeBron doesn’t rule out playing with his 2nd son Bryce in the NBA

Ahead of Wednesday night's bout between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, a former…

October 31, 2024

Close family friend and ex-teammate declares LeBron, Bronny and Bryce will all play together

According to Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will…

October 30, 2024