The Lakers playoff chances are slim to none, meaning that tonight’s matchup against the currently 7th place Los Angeles Clippers is an absolute must to keep hope alive for the rest of the season.
Heading into Monday’s games, the Lakers are 4.5 games behind San Antonio for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. And the Clippers, coming off a take care of business win against the Knicks, should be plenty ready for the Lakers.
The Lakers and Clippers have faced each other twice this season, with each team winning as the “road” team. And the Clippers are feeling mighty confident in themselves these days, while the Lakers are still searching for answers.
Clippers guard Patrick Beverley doubled down on saying they were the best team in L.A. and the Lakers caught a stray from former Laker Ivica Zubac after yesterday’s win, essentially saying the Clippers can do what the Lakers can’t.
So not only are the Lakers beaten down, the Clippers are daring them to get back up with the confidence they won’t. If LeBron and the Lakers have any hope of a miracle run to the 7th or 8th seed, it has to start tonight. Or else Beverley, Doc Rivers and Steve Ballmer will have plenty to yell about and the Lakers can’t say anything back.
