Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers 12/3/21: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Matchup Preview (12/3/21)

On Friday, December 3rd, a battle for the city of Los Angeles will take place between the Clippers and Lakers. These two teams have had a fall from grace, each for their own reasons. The Lakers have not found any chemistry whatsoever. It looks like bringing in Russell Westbrook instead of signing some more shooters and retaining Alex Caruso was not the right decision. They have been wildly inconsistent with sporadic outcomes, such as when they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. On the other hand, the Clippers started the season without Kawhi Leonard, and despite some positive moments, have struggled to find enough scoring. Paul George has played some of his best basketball ever but sometimes does not have enough help. Reggie Jackson has stepped up a lot, but shooting efficiency is still an issue at times. This game could go in many directions, and I will discuss them below.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

I like the Lakers against the spread at +2 here. The Lakers have won three of their past four games, with their only loss coming against the Sacramento Kings in a gusty overtime game. LeBron has played very well recently, a welcomed sight for Lakers fans and bettors. Assuming LeBron and Anthony Davis play, I am fully on this bet. I don’t believe that the Los Angeles Clippers have enough firepower to keep up with the Lakers when they are fully healthy. Additionally, the Clippers have dropped three of their past four, including an embarrassing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. You may want to wait before you grab this line just to make sure that Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both playing, though.

I don’t see value in the over or under with the point total set at 214.5. I expect both teams to score over 100 points, but not by much, leaving a minimal margin for error on either bet. This line is well set, and I would stay away from it unless you have a firm conviction one way or the other.

TV Schedule

Date: 12/3/21
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Arena: Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA
Channel: ESPN

Live Stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Online: Watch Every NBA Game

You can stream this game online for free. You can get a free 7-day trial and live stream NBA games from any device. Click the banner below and start watching.

Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Eric Bledsoe
SF: Paul George
PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
C: Ivica Zubac

Los Angeles Clippers Analysis

This year, it has not been an easy journey for the Los Angeles Clippers. The loss of Kawhi Leonard is significant, and Paul George can only shoulder so much of the responsibility on both sides of the ball. George has played some of his best basketball, averaging 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He has been a little less efficient than usual from behind the arc, but that is relatively insignificant considering his entire impact on the game. George rested on Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings, and the Clippers lost by almost double-digits. That was the only game all year that Paul George has missed, and the Clippers would be utterly hopeless if he were to sustain an injury too. Luckily, Los Angeles expects him to be back and fully rested for the game against the Lakers, but anytime you are matched up against LeBron, there is a long night ahead for you.

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Talen Horton-Tucker
SF: LeBron James
PF: Carmelo Anthony
C: Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

Since LeBron has returned eight negative tests, he should be able to return to the lineup for Friday’s matchup against the Clippers. This is extremely important because LeBron has been an absolute menace on offense in his past few games, putting up 33, 30, and 39 points in his past three games. Now that the King is healthy again, the Lakers become more dangerous. They lacked chemistry without LeBron on the floor but can beat almost any team when he is playing. Anthony Davis is listed as day-to-day, but I think it is safe to assume that he will give it a go against the Lakers’ cross-town rivals. The entirety of the Lakers’ focus defensively will be on Paul George. If they can limit George to 30 points or less, that will force players like Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, Ivica Zubac, and others to step up in a considerable offensive role. Jackson is the only one capable of putting 20+ points on the board, so if they can slow him down too, then it should be smooth sailing.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Daily Fantasy Picks

Reggie Jackson has had one of his best seasons ever from a statistical standpoint. With Kawhi Leonard out for the foreseeable future, Jackson knew he had to step up and become a reliable secondary scorer. He is doing just that by averaging over 17 points and putting up just shy of four rebounds and assists per game. There is one issue with Jackson’s offensive game, but that does not apply as much in DFS. Jackson struggles with efficiency, which has always been the case throughout his career. Luckily, this does not matter as much to you. Additionally, the Lakers have had issues defending the perimeter this season, and Jackson is not afraid to take advantage.

Assuming that LeBron James is playing on Friday because he returned eight negative COVID tests, then he would be the ideal option in this game for your DFS lineup. James has been on a tear in his past three games, averaging 34 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. As long as LeBron remains healthy, he is more than capable of putting up these numbers regularly. LeBron should be plenty motivated to go off in a rivalry, cross-town game like this one.