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In a Los Angeles battle, the Los Angeles Clippers grabbed a 116-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James posted a double-double in the loss.
James contributed 25 points, five rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 9-of-20 from the field. Anthony Davis added 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
The Lakers fell to 22-18 on the season, while the Clippers improved to 24-17, extending their winning streak to four games.
James Harden finished the night with 21 points, four rebounds, and 12 assists while shooting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. Norman Powell contributed 22 points in the dominant win, as four starters scored in double digits.
Fans were disappointed with the Lakers’ performance, calling for backup for the 40-year-old James, specifically a center to help shore up the team’s front court.
GoldenKnight @GoldenKnightGFX
It’s again very obvious what the Lakers need by the deadline
Lakers Daily @LakersDailyCom
Ivica Zubac looking like Wilt Chamberlain against us.
Lakers Daily @LakersDailyCom
Zubac wreaking havoc on the offensive glass. Please Rob…
Jason Timpf @_JasonLT
The Lakers have looked mediocre-to-bad all year on the road.
LoJo Media @LoJoMedia
Just careless turnovers by the Lakers! SMH!
BronMuse @BronMuse
LeBron James tonight: <a href=”https://twitter.com/statmuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@statmuse</a><br><br>25 PTS<br>11 AST<br>5 REB<br>3 STL<br>1 BLK<br><br>How many moves do the Lakers need to make? <a href=”https://t.co/WqNqAQ1R5x”>pic.twitter.com/WqNqAQ1R5x</a>
Ryan Rueda @iDude14
The Lakers need one more move before the trade deadline because this team right now ain’t it.<br><br>Get a reliable backup C and a 2-way player, <a href=”https://twitter.com/JeanieBuss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@JeanieBuss</a>. Thank you!
Dodger Stan Account @itsejh
Retiring from watching Laker games until after the trade deadline I’m tired
The Lakers have been missing a key piece all season, actively exploring backup center options for the past few weeks. This is a move that needs to happen quickly if they wish to remain competitive.
They have struggled against opposing big men, with rumors circulating that they are eyeing Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas before the Feb. 6 deadline, according to ESPN’s Michael Wright.
Valančiūnas would be a valuable addition off the bench for the Lakers. The 32-year-old is averaging 11.5 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 55.1 percent from the field.
Despite their faults, the Lakers put up a competitive second half against the Clippers, sparked by a standout performance from James.
James made 3-of-6 shots in the first quarter, finishing the half with 13 points, three rebounds, and six assists as the Lakers trailed 64-49 at halftime.
NBA @NBA
LEBRON & HARDEN TRADE TRIPLES 👀<br><br>🍿 Lakers/Clippers on NBA TV <a href=”https://t.co/OwJOVYxAlo”>pic.twitter.com/OwJOVYxAlo</a>
Despite a slow start for Harden, who posted just nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, he kicked it into gear in the second half to finish with a double-double.
Close scoring in the second half saw both teams score 28 points in the third quarter, with the Lakers narrowly outscoring the Clippers 25-24 in the fourth. However, their early mistakes were too much to overcome, as the Clippers sealed the victory.
The Lakers will look to bounce back on Tuesday against the 6-34 Washington Wizards at home.
