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It’s the Battle of Los Angeles early in the season as the Lakers play visitors to their cross-town rival Clippers on October 22, 2019 at the Staples Center.
Bron and Brow
The Los Angeles Lakers finally succeeded in getting Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis had wanted a trade to the Lakers last season but the Pelicans held on to him until the 2018/19 campaign was over. During the summer, New Orleans finally accepted a trade where Los Angeles not only gave up their lottery pick in the recent draft but also Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart. The Lakers also tried to lure Kawhi Leonard but the Klaw opted to sign with the cross-town Clippers.
Although they failed to get Leonard, the Lakers added plenty of talent to their roster. The Purple and Gold bagged Dwight Howard, Danny Green, Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook and Jared Dudley. Kyle Kuzma is expected to even get better. With plenty of offensive weapons around him and Anthony Davis as the go-to guy, LeBron James can take it easy in the regular season and save his body for a deep playoff run. Yes, it’s too early to tell but this is definitely a playoff team right here.
Kawhi and PG13
The Clippers didn’t want to be outdone during the summer. They literally stole Kawhi Leonard from the Lakers by forging a Paul George trade from OKC. With another superstar in town, it was easy for Kawhi to say goodbye to the Purple and Gold. Aside from the two superstars, the Clippers also added Landry Shamet and Maurice Harkless. The team however lost Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous Alexander. The Clippers also mortgaged five first round picks and two pick swaps to get PG13.
Doc Rivers will also be returning sixth man supreme Lou Williams and starting guard Patrick Beverley and former Lakers center Ivica Zubac who showed steady improvement last season. Montrezl Harrell is also back to provide the team hustle and physicality while JaMychal Green and Rodney McGruder give the team added depth. With Kawhi Leonard leading the Toronto Raptors to their first ever NBA title, Steve Ballmer hopes the Klaw will deliver as well for them.
Who Wins?
The Lakers are 7-13 SU in their last 20 games and the Purple and Gold are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games on the road. The Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games played and 2-6 SU in their last 8 games against teams from the Pacific division. Head to head, the Clippers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 meetings.
This is a pick ‘em fight between these two LA teams. I like how the Clippers maneuvered to get Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. But I like the tandem of AD and LeBron better. The Clippers’ duo is just as versatile and all-around but the two almost play the same position. Anthony Davis has an inside game that makes it easier for LeBron James to work his magic and I think when it comes to complementing each other, the Lakers duo has the edge.
This should be a close game but I think that the Lakers have the deeper bench and are the more talented team in Los Angeles this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if the NBA betting odds are going to be even as the play date nears but I really like the Lakers this season. Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
Other Bets To Make
The Lakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games played and 6-2 ATS in their 8 games against the Western Conference. The Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games played and 1-5 ATS in their last six games played at home. Head to head, the Clippers are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 meetings but the Lakers are 2-1 ATS in the last three games between these two teams.
The Lakers didn’t win many games last season but they did cover well. I think the arrival of Anthony Davis changes the landscape. LeBron James had too much pressure last season and he had a very inexperienced crew to work with. Also, injuries prevented them from picking up momentum. This time out, LeBron has a better supporting cast. The King is no longer a spring chicken but he still has one or two more royal years to show. There is really no homecourt advantage for the Clippers here. The Lakers are going to draw first blood. Prediction: Lakers +1
The total has gone under in 10 out of the last 15 games played by the Lakers. The total has also gone under in five out of the last six games against an opponent from the Pacific Division. The over is 4-1 in the Clippers’ last five games played and the over is also 4-1 in their last five games against teams from the Pacific Division. Head to head, the total has gone over in six out of their last 10 meetings and the over is 4-1 when the Clippers are the home team in this matchup.
These teams have combined to scored 226 points per game in their last 10 meetings and 233 points per game in their last three games played. When you have LeBron, AD, Kawhi and PG13 in one game plus the kind of supporting cast they have in their respective teams, it’s going to be a wild west shootout. The totals aren’t out but I think it will be over 230 points because these are two loaded teams.
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