Lakers hold off Clippers in OT to snap 11-game losing streak in rivalry
LeBron James has 35 points and Austin Reaves scores seven of his 15 in overtime as the Lakers beat their local rivals for the first time since July 2020, 130-125. Kawhi Leonard (38 points) and Paul George (35) pace the Clippers.
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, loses the ball in traffic as Clippers guard Bones Hyland, left, reaches for it during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket against Clippers forward P.J. Tucker during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers center Mason Plumlee grabs a rebound in front of Lakers star Anthony Davis during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Newly acquired Clippers star James Harden, center, looks on from the bench during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Harden, who was acquired in a trade late Monday night, is expected to make his Clippers debut next week. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue calls out from the sidelines during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves passes the ball during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook looks on during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, shoots as Clippers guard Norman Powell defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, shoots as Lakers forward Christian Wood defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers coach Darvin Ham reacts during a pause in play in the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, center, pursues a loose ball against the Clippers’ Paul George, left, Kawhi Leonard, and Mason Plumlee, far right, during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, reaches for a loose ball after blocking a shot by Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, shoots as Lakers forward Cam Reddish defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard, left, and Russell Westbrook slap hands during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, center, along with teammate Russell Westbrook, left, and Lakers star Anthony Davis, right, look on during a pause in play in the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James shoots over Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Paul George, right, shoots as Lakers guard Austin Reaves defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Newly acquired Clippers star James Harden, center, looks on from the bench during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Harden, who was acquired in a trade late Monday night, is expected to make his Clippers debut next week. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, right, puts up a shot as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers star Paul George (13) drives to the basket as the Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes (11) and Cam Reddish (5) defend during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, center, watches from the bench during the first half of their game against Paul George, left, and the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves controls the ball as the Clippers’ Paul George, center, and Bones Hyland, right, defend during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, top, scrambles for a loose ball with Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, bottom, during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, shoots as Lakers forward Anthony Davis defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers stars LeBron James, left, and Anthony Davis slap hands during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, and Lakers center Jaxson Hayes reach for a loose ball during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell puts up a shot as Lakers star Anthony Davis defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James, center, shoots as Clippers forward P.J. Tucker, left, and guard Norman Powell defend during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue calls out from the sidelines during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Max Christie, left, shoots as Clippers guard Norman Powell defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard Max Christie shoots over Clippers guard Norman Powell during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball as Lakers guard Max Christie defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James, center, shoots as Clippers forward P.J. Tucker, right, and guard Norman Powell defend during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots a free throw during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James loses the ball in front of Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard, right, and Paul George, left, during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Max Christie shoots as Clippers guard Norman Powell defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, far left, looks on from the bench during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James soars to the basket for a dunk during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James, left, goes up for a dunk as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts after a foul call during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball as Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Newly acquired Clippers star James Harden, center, looks on from the bench during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Harden, who was acquired in a trade late Monday night, is expected to make his Clippers debut next week. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Max Christie grabs a rebound in front of Clippers center Mason Plumlee during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, and center Mason Plumlee, left, reach for a loose ball during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket as Lakers star LeBron James defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts toward an official during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Clippers’ Paul George drives to the basket as Lakers guard Max Christie, left, defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham looks on from the sideline during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James passes the ball during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots over Lakers guard Max Christie during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
New Clippers star James Harden, left, sits next to teammate Russell Westbrook on the bench during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Harden is expected to make his Clippers debut next week. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis blocks a shot by Clippers guard Norman Powell during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, second from right, scramble for a loose ball as forward Paul George, left, and forward Cam Reddish also go after it during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, right, hangs on the rim after dunking as Clippers forward Paul George looks on during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, right, celebrates as he hangs on the rim after dunking as Clippers forward Paul George looks on during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, center, shoots as Clippers forward Paul George, left, and center Mason Plumlee defend during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, left, talks with forward P.J. Tucker, center, as guard Russell Westbrook walks away during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, goes up for a dunk as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, center, defends and guard Austin Reaves watches during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves scrambles for a loose ball during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis reacts during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard looks to drive as Lakers star LeBron James defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket as Lakers guard Max Christie defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Cam Reddish, right, steals the ball from Clippers star Paul George during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts toward an official after a foul during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, reacts after a foul call as teammate Anthony Davis looks on during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers star Paul George brings the ball up the court during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard shoots as the Lakers’ LeBron James (23), Christian Wood, far right, and Anthony Davis, left, look on during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Max Christie, center, loses the ball after being fouled by Clippers forward Paul George, left, during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy yells instructions from the bench during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as Clippers star Kawhi Leonard defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as Clippers star Kawhi Leonard defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers players look on from the bench during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, passes the ball while under pressure from Lakers forward LeBron James, second from left, during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, left, and star big man Anthony Davis, right, argue with referee Mitchell Ervin, far left, during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Cam Reddish, second from right, shoots as Clippers guard Bones Hyland, right, defends and the Lakers’ bench watches during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Christian Wood gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard loses the ball as Lakers forward Christian Wood defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook celebrates a 3-point basket during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket past Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, during overtime on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis looks on while picking himself up off the court during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers forward Paul George, right, shoots as Lakers forward Anthony Davis defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves runs back up the court after making a 3-point shot as teammates on the bench celebrate during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James smiles during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook looks to shoot as Lakers guard Max Christie defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket against Lakers star LeBron James during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, reacts after being called for goaltending as Clippers guard Norman Powell looks on during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, reacts after being called for goaltending during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James points to the crowd after he was called for goaltending during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, and forward Anthony Davis, center, complain to referee Curtis Blair about a call during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, shoots as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers guard Norman Powell drives to the basket as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James, center, shoots as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, forward P.J. Tucker, second from left, and guard Russell Westbrook, right, defend while forward Anthony Davis watches during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward Cam Reddish reacts to a foul called on him against Clippers star Paul George during the final minute of the fourth quarter on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. George was awarded three free throws, made them all and sent the game into overtime. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George looks toward the video board after fouling out during overtime of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves reacts after being fouled by the Clippers’ Norman Powell (not pictured) during overtime on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Christian Wood (35) celebrates after scoring in overtime of their game against the Clippers as teammate Cam Reddish looks on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, smiles as he greets Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (2) as Lakers star Anthony Davis, right, looks on after their overtime game on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, hugs Clippers star Kawhi Leonard after the Lakers’ 130-125 overtime win on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after the Lakers defeated the Clippers, 130-125, in overtime on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
A general view of the court prior to the game between the Lakers and the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis looks on prior to their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
New Clippers forward P.J. Tucker warms up prior to their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air as fans take video prior to their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES — For almost an hour inside Crypto.com Arena, it looked like the Lakers’ infamous losing streak against the Clippers was going to continue.
The Clippers, and especially Kawhi Leonard (18 first-quarter points), were rolling early, leading to the Lakers trailing by 19 early and staring at a 13-point deficit at the end of the first quarter. The Lakers were struggling to find answers defensively.
But in the second quarter, they started to piece together answers. And in the third, they found a big solution: a super-sized frontcourt, which slowed their opponents’ momentum and helped the Lakers navigate their way to a 130-125 overtime victory over the Clippers on Wednesday night that ended their 11-game losing streak in the rivalry.
“They came out real aggressive, physical, playing with force,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “We came out, weren’t really setting enough hard screens, weren’t really being physical with them on the defensive end as well. At halftime, I just talked to them about taking care of the ball, playing with physicality on both sides of the ball, showing your hands, being active, shifting – just being who we’re trying to be.
“And they received the message, they embraced it and they came out and executed.”
LeBron James had 35 points and 11 rebounds, Austin Reaves scored seven of his 15 points in OT, D’Angelo Russell scored 27 points and Anthony Davis had 27 points and 10 rebounds for the short-handed Lakers, who beat their local rivals for the first time since July 2020 in the Florida bubble.
“The party’s just getting started,” Ham said. “It’s good to come out on the right side of that one. But, they’re going to get all of their guys in uniform. They’re going to try to work on their cohesion. They’re very well-coached with [Clippers coach Ty Lue] and his staff. And they’re in our division, so we’re going to see them three more times. It should be fun each time.”
With James Harden watching in street clothes on the Clippers’ bench, Leonard finished with 38 points. Paul George scored 20 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, including eight points in the final minute before fouling out 30 seconds into overtime.
The Lakers’ bench was already thin with the injury absences of Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino even before starting forward Taurean Prince developed knee soreness in warmups, which severely limited their lineup rotations.
So late in the third, with the Lakers trailing 80-72 with 4:22 in the quarter, Ham turned to a 6-foot-10-plus frontcourt trio of Anthony Davis, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes.
The unconventional lineup did what was intended: muck things up defensively.
The Lakers (3-2) went on a 15-5 run with the aforementioned trio on the floor, using their length and size to bother the Clippers (3-2), who shot 2 for 9 from the field in that span, allowing the Lakers to take an 87-85 lead going into the fourth.
“They played well,” Lue said. “I thought we got to a good start being up 19 and then the rotation got kind of funky because of the early timeouts and we couldn’t get PG or Kawhi early and we had a second unit on the floor that I didn’t really like too much, but that was on me. We played hard, we just didn’t play smart at times, shot selection and kept our turnovers down a little bit, but I can’t fault the effort.”
The Clippers didn’t go down easily, going on an 8-2 run within the final two minutes capped by a George 3-pointer that cut the Lakers’ lead to 115-114 with 24 seconds left.
Russell knocked down a pair of free throws with 19 seconds left, but Cam Reddish (eight points, four assists, three rebounds) fouled George on a potential game-tying 3-point attempt, with George knocking down all three free throws to tie the score at 117 with 17 seconds left in regulation. Russell had an open shot at the buzzer but missed, sending the game to overtime.
The Lakers once again went bigger in overtime, subbing in Wood for Russell midway through the extra period. The move paid off, with Wood (10 points on 4-of-6 shooting to go with 11 rebounds in 29 minutes) dunking home a putback with nine seconds remaining to secure the Lakers’ streak-busting win.
“They’re a tough team to beat when you turn the ball over and they get out and transition, get easy baskets and so we need to do a better job with that,” said Lue, who saw the Lakers score 23 points off the Clippers’ 13 turnovers. “Overall, I love that fight, what it looked like and just got to continue to keep getting better.”
Even with the streak over, the Clippers have won 36 of the past 44 meetings overall.
“That was known,” Reaves said of the Clippers’ win streak and dominance in the series. “But at the same time, for me, and I (think) I speak for everybody, you want to win every game.”
It was James’ first 30-point game of the season, as he shot 13 for 19 (4 for 8 from 3-point range) to go with 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a blocked shot in 42 minutes. He scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the fourth. His alley-oop dunk from Reaves put the Lakers up 124-119 with 2:12 remaining in overtime.
“He’s been phenomenal down the stretch,” Davis said of James. “And he’s making the right plays.”
Russell scored 19 of his 27 after halftime. Davis added four blocks, three assists and a pair of steals in 48 minutes. Reaves added seven rebounds and seven assists in 38 minutes.
“It’s just been a process this year of us figuring each other out as a group,” Ham said.
Leonard finished 15 for 28 from the field to go with six rebounds, five assists and two steals in 41 minutes.
“They dialed in, made sure they got to me, was in the gaps,” Leonard said of the Lakers adjusting after his fast start. “They’re not going to just let somebody keep shooting the ball.”
Russell Westbrook had 24 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists (six turnovers) and four steals against his former team.
“We played hard,” Lue said. “We just didn’t play smart at times. (Poor) shot selection, and (we needed to) keep our turnovers down a little bit. I can’t fault the effort.”
P.J. Tucker had five rebounds in 21 scoreless minutes off the bench in his debut for the Clippers after officially being traded to the team earlier in the day.
“They received the message, they embraced it, they came out and executed.” Darvin Ham speaks on the mental approach to the second half and LeBron’s preparation to be available. pic.twitter.com/3Rlk8F08qA
“At the end of the day, it’s all about opportunity.” Anthony Davis speaks on his teammates’ readiness to make an impact on the game. pic.twitter.com/WVi0VUI2hn
“Everybody stayed together defensively & offensively, and we came together and got the win.” Christian Wood on the big win and coming into his role on the team. pic.twitter.com/MkvCjctPNO
