Kawhi Leonard (25 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST) notched the second triple-double of his career in a 127-116 win over the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers failed to see out a strong performance against the Los Angeles Clippers in a rivalry game that the high-flying Clippers won 127-116. The season series between the rivals is at 2-1 in the Lakers’ favor, who were without LeBron James for the game. Fans were encouraged by the close fight against the Clippers while ruing LeBron’s unavailability.

Lakers fans think they would have won the game if LeBron James was healthy.

Anthony Davis didn’t impact the game in the fourth quarter, a problem that Lakers fans are noticing.

D’Angelo Russell’s stellar play recently has got fans defending him after heavy trade rumors.

Kawhi Leonard notched only the second triple-double of his career, with fans appreciating his sensational play on the night.

Many Clippers fans were upset with how their team performed and cited roster changes for why the Lakers have been a tough out for them all year.

Many Lakers fans were positive after this closely-fought loss.

Lakers fans think the team would have been performing better all year if Darvin Ham wasn’t the coach.

D’Angelo Russell continued his strong recent form and ended the night with 27 points and 10 assists, along with a highlight block. Anthony Davis had 26 points and 12 rebounds but disappeared in the fourth quarter, scoring no points despite the game being as close as four points in that time.

Kawhi Leonard notched the second triple-double of his career with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in this high-stakes win. James Harden had 23 points and 10 assists while Paul George and Norman Powell put up 17 points apiece. Russell Westbrook had a starring role off the bench, putting up 16 quick points while shooting 3/3 from three-point range.

The Lakers Fall Under .500 Once Again
The Lakers are now sitting with a 22-23 record, finding consistency for the first time this season, but as a team that flirts around a .500 record. Missing LeBron James was a massive blow for the team especially against an opponent like the Clippers. The Lakers are 2-3 without LeBron this season, but their two wins were against the Trail Blazers and the Spurs. The Lakers did lose to the Spurs when Anthony Davis was out and LeBron played, but they needed him for tonight’s game against the Clippers.

Anthony Davis’ fourth-quarter disappearing act has to be incredibly frustrating for fans, as he had a dominant first three quarters. The Clippers had no answer for him without Ivica Zubac, so it was odd to see him not assert himself in the fourth quarter. D’Angelo Russell tried his best to keep the Lakers in the game, but the inconsistent offense around him led to the loss.

There are positives from this game for the Lakers, as they managed to stay competitive for most of the game against one of the best teams in the NBA without LeBron. This also proves that the Lakers with their size and physicality are a tough matchup for the Clippers, but the Clippers hot shooting made it a moot point tonight.