The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are set to meet for the first time this season in a highly anticipated matchup. The Lakers, who boast a storied history with 12 championship banners hanging over the proceedings, are the more established and popular NBA team in Southern California. The franchise has a total of 17 championships. In contrast, the Clippers are an emerging team with a growing connection to the local community, featuring local talent like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and now, the pending addition of 10-time All-Star James Harden, who hails from nearby Lakewood, California.

While it’s unlikely that Harden will make his debut for the Clippers in this matchup, the team, under the leadership of coach Tyronn Lue, is focusing on developing a cohesive game plan to make the most of their talented roster. The Clippers have been successful recently, winning three out of their last four games, including a 118-102 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

Despite the Lakers’ rich history and championship pedigree, the Clippers have had the upper hand in their recent matchups. The Clippers have not lost to the Lakers over the past three seasons, posting an 11-0 record against their rivals. Even during the Lakers’ championship-winning season in 2019-20, the teams split their regular-season games.

In the Lakers’ recent game against the Magic, they turned an eight-point deficit in the third quarter into a 106-103 victory, thanks to a strong performance by D’Angelo Russell, who scored 28 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:43 remaining. Anthony Davis (26 points, 19 rebounds) and LeBron James (19 points) also played key roles in the victory.

The Lakers have had a 2-2 record this season, with both of their wins coming at home. Their intention to manage LeBron James’s minutes is evident, as the 38-year-old veteran has averaged 34 minutes per game in four contests, slightly below his average of 35.5 minutes per game last season.

Rui Hachimura, a Lakers reserve forward, did not play in their most recent game due to a left eye contusion. The showdown between the Lakers and Clippers promises to be a thrilling encounter with local pride and championship aspirations on the line.