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Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard says the team's Christmas game against the Los Angeles Lakers is “a different matchup” from the season opener.
The Clippers defeated the Lakers on opening night without Paul George, who will play on Christmas. The Lakers, meanwhile, will have Kyle Kuzma, who didn't play in the season opener.
“It was just the first game of the season, everybody was just trying to get in their rhythm,” Leonard said, via ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly. “I think they got Kuzma back playing and now we got Paul, so it's gonna be two different teams.
“We've been through a journey till Christmas. It's a different matchup. We're still trying to get the hang of each other. I mean, we're still in a good position, we still got a lot of growth and I think everybody knows that. But not complacent and that's what's gonna make us a better team.”
The Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference, while the Clippers are in fourth place. Wednesday's matchup could be a Western Conference Finals preview.
In 23 games this season for the Clippers, Leonard is averaging 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. The two-time Finals MVP is shooting 46.1 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from beyond the arc and 87.2 percent from the free-throw line.
The Clippers are 18-5 when Leonard plays. They are 22-10 on the season overall.