Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
The Los Angeles Clippers (11-11) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (11-11) at STAPLES Center
Game Time: 10:00 PM EST on Friday December 3, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers 37, Los Angeles Lakers 34 (Q2 06:01)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Through contact 💪 pic.twitter.com/4OuHY2ehdv – 10:53 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Could’ve had Ariza. pic.twitter.com/UH19a3UUOe – 10:52 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Brandon Boston Jr. has spent this game glued next to Kawhi on the bench when he’s been sitting. Guessing the rookie is getting some lessons passed down to him. – 10:52 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Random stat … coming into this game, @Anthony Davis ranked 2nd in the NBA in contested shots:
Rudy Gobert – 268
Anthony Davis- 255
Evan Mobley – 254 – 10:51 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron scrambled to switch over to Zubac to relieve a guard on a mismatch, and Zubac couldn’t move him, leading to a turnover. LAL turned it over on the other end, though, as LeBron tried a lob to Reaves, and LAL still trail by 1. – 10:49 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James tried to throw a lob pass to Austin Reaves. That would’ve been something if it worked. – 10:49 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Clippers lobs. Always an adventure. – 10:48 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Talen Horton-Tucker finishing at the rim like Old Talen. Talen Classic, if you will. – 10:48 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Horton-Tucker likes his matchups against Clippers centers, that much is clear. – 10:48 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Three-point shooting:
Clippers 3-12
Lakers 2-11 – 10:46 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James with the drive-in lay-up and foul against Brandon Boston, a former Sierra Canyon teammate of Bronny James. – 10:45 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
This is only the fifth game that Eric Bledsoe is coming off the bench since leaving the Clippers in 2013. – 10:41 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron at C, ‘Melo at PF to start the 2nd Q. – 10:39 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Brandon Boston Jr. on the floor with LeBron for the first time tonight — former Sierra Canyon player, meet Sierra Canyon spectator. – 10:38 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
The LA Clippers are up on the Los Angeles Lakers 23-22 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams shooting poorly: 40/30/100 for Clippers, 43.5/28.6/0 for Lakers.
Clippers doing a slightly better job than Lakers in terms of holding onto the ball (3 to 5 TO advantage) – 10:37 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Clippers 23, Lakers 22 | End 1 | Pretty even, as the score would indicate, though the Clippers did lead by 7. PG is leading the Clips with 6 points. – 10:37 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
+1 after one. pic.twitter.com/3sqvr0x0sk – 10:37 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Close one through 12 minutes. pic.twitter.com/u7hMveFGL8 – 10:37 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
First quarter: Clippers 23, Lakers 22
Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony lead the Lakers with 5 points each. LA’s 3-point shooting (2 of 7) and FT shooting (0 of 3) has hurt them early. Some solid minutes from Dwight Howard as starting center. – 10:37 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
End of the first: Clippers 23, Lakers 22
Clippers shooting 40% overall, 30% from 3 and have only three turnovers. – 10:35 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
After starting 0 for 5 from 3, LAL got triples from both ‘Melo and Westbrook in the final 1:04. Then ‘Melo added an and-1 jumper (missed FT) off an inbounds pass, to cap an 8-2 run.
As such, LAL trail by just 1, 23-22. – 10:35 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Melo with a couple big baskets toward the end of the quarter, the Lakers’ first 3-pointer, and just now a tough shot from the baseline. Livening up this slow-starting offense. After Q1: Clippers 23, Lakers 22. – 10:35 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
After two days off for the first time since late October, the Lakers may have fresh legs, but they haven’t found any rhythm on offense, now at 7 for 19 from the field (36.8%) with 5 turnovers.
They trail 21-14. – 10:32 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Waiting at the scorer’s table, Brandon Boston Jr. is about to rotation minutes. He replaces Reggie Jackson, so the Clippers add a bit more size. – 10:31 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
We’ve had some subs, but looks like Bledsoe may be Reggie Jackson’s direct backup tonight. Mann/Hartenstein/Kennard have gotten in already.
Clippers up 19-14 despite shooting only 40% from field with 2:49 left in opening quarter of play. Lakers have missed all 5 3s, both FTs – 10:29 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Heads-up touch pass leads to the slam 💥 pic.twitter.com/6qbkacllQZ – 10:27 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Clippers are 3 for 5 from 3 early, with LAL 0 for 3, the early diifference in the game as LAC lead 15-8. – 10:22 PM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
High IQ play by Dwight to get LeBron that easy transition dunk – 10:18 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Paul George’s first turnover is a bad pocket pass that results in LeBron James’ first field goal on the break.
Two plays before that, Reggie Jackson had to foul after James stole it from him.
Tyronn Lue calls timeout with the game tied at 8-8, 7:18 left in first quarter – 10:17 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Really unique start to this game, with both teams massive for modern standards. It’s 8-8 at the 7:18 mark after a LeBron dunk courtesy of a pretty touch pass from Howard.
Clips started Morris at the 3 (their usual small ball 5), Ibaka the 4 and Zubac the 5 to counter LAL. – 10:17 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron has entered the chat. He ties it at 8 with a fastbreak dunk, and Ty Lue calls a timeout. Four different Lakers have scored already. – 10:16 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Russ starting out defensively on Paul George. Interesting assignment to see play out, for however long it does. AK – 10:16 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Serge startin’ us off 👌
📺 @BallySportWest | @Serge Ibaka pic.twitter.com/dvjRyI8aVT – 10:16 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Before tipoff, LeBron James pointing at Clippers coach Ty Lue and exchanging some trash talk – 10:10 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
PG says: Let’s play some basketball!
📺 @BallySportWest | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/MpffTSQjS7 – 10:10 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers @cavs
☑️ First Cavalier with 32-10-8 in a game since LeBron James in 2018
☑️ Third Cavalier in franchise history with 32-10-8 before turning 22
#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/85XC6bMWqM – 10:10 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James, fresh off a two-day stint in NBA’s covid-19 health and safety protocols, ready to go for “Battle of LA” against Clippers at Staples Center pic.twitter.com/Ukfj3Ky0PI – 10:01 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
These warmups 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tEB7FYaIWj – 9:57 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Darius Garland tonight:
32 PTS
8 REB
10 AST
11-17 FG
5-6 3P
He is the third Cavs player ever with a 30/8/10 game before turning 22. The other two were LeBron and Kyrie. pic.twitter.com/7qF3vp3W4C – 9:55 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Bron back. Dwight in.
#SuitingUpTogether | @ToyotaSoCal pic.twitter.com/IwG90Z5HUQ – 9:42 PM
Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
With his 10th assist tonight (21 PTS, 10 AST), Trae Young has recorded his 70th career 20+ point, 10+ assist outing of his career, tying Russell Westbrook for most 20p/10a games since 2018-19.
Young has notched seven 20p/10a games this season, the second-most in the league. – 9:38 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
LA vs Los Angeles
LAC
Marcus Morris Sr.
Serge Ibaka
Ivica Zubac
Paul George
Reggie Jackson
LAL
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Dwight Howard
Talen Horton-Tucker
Russell Westbrook – 9:32 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Lakers say LeBron James is back and starting against the Clippers.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP pic.twitter.com/WNIu7X12Dz – 9:31 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Dwight gets the start
#LakeShow x @DWS_Group pic.twitter.com/1BNcYWb9aD – 9:30 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Tonight’s the last game between the Lakers and Clippers at Staples Center before the building changes its name to https://t.co/RbGGF9G7ZG Arena later this month. Plenty of fun moments between the two teams here the last 22 years, but this one stands out to me: pic.twitter.com/gkdwepISUM – 9:11 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
The lowdown on the showdown.
#GetItLocked | @betwayusa – 9:00 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Angeleno Ivica Zubac — once a Laker, now a Clipper — on what he loves about L.A. “I just like how in one city you got whatever you need. Where I grew up no shopping malls, no movie theaters, no bowling alleys, nothing like that. I just like having everything in the same city.” pic.twitter.com/9kjMu3J2hP – 8:58 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Arriving in style. pic.twitter.com/RWcheAyJcP – 8:55 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
For a moment, Luka Doncic had two fouls in the first 4:24. But the last one was changed to Dwight Powell. No. 7 instead of 77. Mavericks up 7-2 early. – 8:49 PM
Rashad Mobley @rashad20
Losing by 30+ points to a LeBron-less Cavs team is bad, but hey, at least it isn’t a 73-point deficit amirite? – 8:48 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings officially list Harrison Barnes (foot) as doubtful Saturday vs. Clippers. Maurice Harkless (knee) is questionable. Marvin Bagley III (illness) is not listed on the injury report. Robert Woodard II (G League) is out. Louis King, Jahmi’us Ramsey, Neemias Queta are active. – 8:43 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Friday night hoops in DTLA.
🕖 7:00PM PT | 📺 @BallySportWest pic.twitter.com/ezVcmjA8BV – 8:39 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Eric Bledsoe will come off the bench tonight.
Jackson, George, Morris, Ibaka, Zubac tonight at Los Angeles – 8:39 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Clippers lineup: Reggie, Paul, Marcus, Serge and Zubac – 8:38 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
The LA Native pic.twitter.com/9VaGPYlhR6 – 8:38 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue said Paul George feels good after tweaking an ankle Sunday. – 8:37 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Ty Lue says Paul George’s tweaked ankle shouldn’t be an issue: “He said he feels good.” – 8:37 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue says the Clippers will use their big starting lineup again vs. Lakers. He felt their start was “pretty good” in their debut Wednesday. – 8:31 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers coach Frank Vogel not sure if LeBron James did individual work privately while he was away from the team because of health protocols. But Vogel suspects LeBron got some work in – 8:27 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Chatted with Ivica Zubac pregame, @TomerAzarly wondered: “LeBron was expected to be out, then cleared protocol – did that change anything for you guys in the last couple days?”
Zu: “I mean, he’s one of the best players in the world. It changed our scouting report a little bit.” – 8:27 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Frank Vogel says he saw “a lot of Scottie Pippen” in Paul George when he coached him with the Pacers. – 8:24 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Frank Vogel says that he thought the Clippers would lose Reggie Jackson in free agency this past offseason after how well Jackson played in the playoffs – 8:24 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Westbrook, THT, LeBron, AD and Howard will start tonight (another new starting 5).
Vogel said Avery Bradley is technically available with the sprained thumb, but he won’t start, and we’ll see if he ends up being used. – 8:21 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Frank Vogel said he was told it was “a possibility” that LeBron could clear protocols earlier than expected, but proceeded as if he could miss more time until he was told otherwise.
Dwight Howard will be in the starting lineup, as Vogel suggested yesterday. THT will also start. – 8:20 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Dwight Howard is starting and so is Talen Horton-Tucker – 8:20 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters against the Clippers:
Dwight Howard
Anthony Davis
LeBron James
Talen Horton-Tucker
Russell Westbrook – 8:20 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Lakers starting lineup: Russ-THT-LeBron-AD-Dwight. Avery Bradley is available, and the game itself will dictate whether or not he plays. AK – 8:20 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers starters tonight, per Frank Vogel: LeBron, AD, Russ, Dwight and THT – 8:20 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Frank Vogel says he won’t start Avery Bradley. But he’ll use him.
Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker will start tonight. – 8:20 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Avery Bradley is not going to start but is going to be available tonight, per Frank Vogel. – 8:19 PM
Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Per @EliasSports, Young (23 years, 75 days) is the second-youngest player in NBA history to tally 5,500+ points and 2,000+ assists (LeBron James-22 years, 97 days).
He’s also the second-quickest in terms of games played (227 games) to do so (Oscar Robinson-192 games). – 7:55 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Wandered to LA pic.twitter.com/kPG2SczVdJ – 7:49 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
If Radakovich decides to stay put at Clemson instead of taking on a new challenge here, UM has other candidates lined up. @RossDellenger reporting UM has reached out to several Power 5 ADs and offering what would make an AD the highest-paid in the country. – 7:36 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Clemson’s Dan Radakovich (obviously NOT pictured below) has always been UM’s preferred choice for AD, sources said today. Canes optimistic about closing the deal. He attended UM for MBA, would be home run hire: miamiherald.com/sports/college… – 7:10 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
What should we expect with LeBron James’ return? How has Brandon Ingram handled a tough season in New Orleans? I talk about that & more with @JaredSGreenberg on @NBATV. Tune in at 4:10 pm PT – 6:54 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Load Mismanagement with @Jphanned is live @UnderdogFantasy now through tipoff
Suns vs. Warriors rematch, Lakers/Clippers, WOLVES! taking all player prop/ATS/DFS questions and breaking lineup news to get you ready for tonight’s slate ⬇️
https://t.co/xDczCMmIjb pic.twitter.com/N9x71qr9dx – 6:30 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
After 23 games, @Bell19Raja is ready to finally say it … the Lakers are NOT championship contenders. #RealOnes
Presented by @Hennessy. Please drink responsibly. #ad pic.twitter.com/xBTg91jvVK – 6:30 PM
DeAndre Jordan @DeAndre
#35 @TobiOye… – 6:29 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW from @smillerdegnan , @kaufsports and me: UM in hot pursuit of Cristobal and optimistic about its chances; and Canes close in on AD hire: miamiherald.com/sports/college… – 6:21 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
UM hopes to have Cristobal & new AD in place by early next week. (Of course, Cristobal must agree to terms in writing, which hasn’t happened.)We reported earlier today of UM interest in Clemson’s Radakovich. CBS and SI. com report he hasn’t yet been hired; Oregonlive says he has. – 6:12 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
4 of the top 10 plpayers in the NBA with the most off the dribble three point shot attempts this season are shooting below 30% on those shots – Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Paul George – 5:28 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Free agent Wesley Matthews plans to sign a deal with the Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 12-year veteran, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, is set to return to Milwaukee. – 5:01 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Free pod: with special guest @SethPartnow, Author of The Midrange Theory: https://t.co/sSrOGbizbN
Dunc’d On Total Access members get this episode ad-free, plus our other 4 pods per week. Subscribe: https://t.co/XSgwN6BUIK pic.twitter.com/Nx8j37tkBj – 4:00 PM
