In the midst of a three-game losing streak, and with their two superstars dealing with injury concerns, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking ahead to a big game versus the Los Angeles Clippers.
It’s a marquee matchup on Christmas Day that many have looked forward to since the NBA’s 2019-20 schedule was released.
Some fans may even be treating it as a preview of the Western Conference Finals. However, Dwight Howard is downplaying the importance of the contest.
Dwight Howard on the buzz surrounding the Lakers upcoming Christmas matchup with the Clippers: “This is not an ego test for us.” pic.twitter.com/G2KzRDdDNp
— Bill Oram (@billoram) December 23, 2019
Although the Clippers have a solid 22-10 record, they sit merely in fourth place in the Western Conference. They’re three games behind the first-place Lakers and are coming off a disappointing loss on Sunday to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kawhi Leonard didn’t play in that game, making the Clippers’ record without the defending Finals MVP just 4-5.
It’s unknown whether LeBron James will be available to play on Christmas for the Lakers.
He missed their Sunday game against the Denver Nuggets due to a strained thoracic muscle. It was the first game he had sat out so far this season.
In addition, Anthony Davis appeared to tweak his right knee late in the contest against Denver.
The Lakers and the Clippers will surely attract lots of fanfare on Wednesday night. Hopefully, it lives up to expectations.
