This Battle of Los Angeles belongs to the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard recorded his second career triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the Clippers to a win over rivals Los Angeles Lakers, 127-116.
Kawhi Leonard tallied a triple-double in the Clippers' Battle of LA win! #NBARivalsWeek
— NBA (@NBA) January 24, 2024
25 PTS
11 REB
10 AST
68% FG pic.twitter.com/Jo6Q4RI2DS
James Harden made 23 points, including four 3-pointers, along with 10 assists. Paul George added 17 points and five rebounds, while Russell Westbrook chimed in 16 points, six boards, and two sneaky steals.
The Clippers are on a hot streak, winning their third straight game. In the previous 13 games, they have only lost twice.
And in three meetings with the Lakers this season, it's the first time the Clippers have picked up the victory.
After trailing behind the Lakers early in the opening quarter, the Clippers took control of the pace and led by 12 at halftime. This lead was mostly thanks to Kawhi, who did not missing a single shot in the first half.
Kawhi Leonard (8/8 FGM) hasn't missed in the Battle of LA 🔥#NBARivalsWeek
— NBA (@NBA) January 24, 2024
Lakers-Clippers | Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/ty2DHND5by
The Lakers managed to climb their way back within two in the fourth, but Ty Lue’s squad fended them off and pulled away.
With LeBron James out due to a sore ankle, D’Angelo Russell stepped up and produced 27 points while Anthony Davis remained consistent and scored 26 for the Lakers.
What he said
Real ones know that Russell Westbrook deserves a shot at a ring.
After coming off from the bench and helping out the starters to get the win over the Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal acknowledged the Brodie’s championship-caliber role.
“If there’s one guy who deserves to win a championship, it’s Russell Westbrook," he said during TNT's Inside the NBA.
Shaq: “If there’s one guy who deserves to win a championship, it’s Russell Westbrook”. pic.twitter.com/1UNVHZYvRH
— 🕸? (@TheWestbrookEra) January 24, 2024
