Lakers vs. Clippers score: Live updates, highlights, analysis as LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard meet again – CBSSports.com, Cbssports.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                           A. Davis                                                                                                                                                                                    . 6 PTS , 3.2 AST , 9.5 REB                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                    

                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                           A. Davis                                                                                                                                                                                                                . 6 PTS , 3.2 AST , 9.5 REB                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                    

                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                           K. Leonard                                                                                                                                                                                    48 .9 PTS , 5.1 AST , 7.5 REB                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                    

                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                           K. Leonard                                                                                                                                                                                                                48 .9 PTS , 5.1 AST , 7.5 REB                                                                                                             

                                 

                                                                                               

    

                                                                                                                

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(Zero tolerance)

The Lakers get called for yet another technical foul. This time it’s Danny Green. Meanwhile, Patrick Beverley continues to get away with all of his usual antics.

    

(Crashing the boards)

The Lakers were getting crushed on the offensive glass for most of this game before finally turning it around on a single possession. They missed shot after shot but kept creating more opportunities until finally, Avery Bradley put them ahead by four, 65 – .

    

    

(Back and forth)

As obviously as the Clippers outplayed the Lakers in the second quarter, it’s the Lakers who have the lead after five quick points in the third. No team can sustain momentum for more than a few minutes.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

The Lakers fighting back

The Clippers were unquestionably the better second-quarter team, but the Lakers, who were once down nine, cut the deficit to four. It’s – Clippers at the half. It’s anyone’s game.     

    

    

    

(Clippers in charge) Even with the Lakers moving to small-ball, the Clippers are controlling this game. They’re getting far better shots, stripping the Lakers almost every time down the floor and owning the boards.     

    

(here we go)

Okay, the Lakers are taking things seriously now. Anthony Davis is at center now. He’s joined by LeBron, Caruso, Danny Green and Markieff Morris. Some version of this alignment is what the Lakers go to when it’s time to stop messing around.

    

    

    

(One of these things is not like the others)

Three superstars came to play today. Paul George has been the best player on the court, and LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard brought their typical excellence. Anthony Davis, though has been invisible. He is 2-for-5 for six points and two rebounds as we approach halftime. He has to be more aggressive against a weak Clippers front line.

    

Inconsistent whistle

The Lakers have gotten a friendlier whistle when it comes to personal fouls, but Patrick Beverley just got away with a blatant technical foul. He got in LeBron James’ face after a foul, and after Avery Bradley was called for a tech for far less earlier, it was surprising to see him get away with it.

    

An edge is forming

This game has been virtually even so far, but the Clippers now have the lead up to a game-high seven at – .

    

Kyle Kuzma proving the Lakers right.

The Lakers knew Kyle Kuzma could score. He put up points in the Christmas matchup. By keeping him at the trade deadline, though, they were betting that he’d contribute in other ways. Sure enough, he’s played great defense in this one and just took a huge charge from Montrezl Harrell.

    

    

    

(Tighten that rotation)

To the surprise of nobody who watches the Lakers consistently, Rajon Rondo has looked utterly unplayable in this game. Alex Caruso’s injured hamstring might be forcing Frank Vogel’s hand, but Rondo should not see the floor against the Clippers when the games really start to count.

    

    

    

    

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