LOS ANGELES ā€“ LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers had been trying to find a rhythm, winning two games in a row. Unfortunately, their short winning streak came to an end at the hands of Tyronn Lue and the LA Clippers Friday night.

The Clippers defeated the Lakers 119-115, despite a 23-point, 11-rebound, six-assist night from LeBron James and a 27-point, 10-rebound, four-assist performance from Anthony Davis. Paul George had a near-triple-double in the win, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Marcus Morris contributed 21 points and six threes while Luke Kennard poured in 19 points and five threes.

LeBron James, who was returning from a one-game absence due to confusing COVID-19 protocols, spoke about his absence and what went into his return. James was also asked by ClutchPoints about what he's seen from Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue since his time with him.

ā€œT-Lue is great,ā€ LeBron James said. ā€œSimple as that. Obviously you guys know I played for him and what we was able to do. T-Lue is great. he's great at every facet of the game. As a coach, he doesn't have a weakness.ā€

James and Lue joined forces during the 2015-16 season and helped each other to the 2016 NBA Championship. The duo became the first and only team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

LeBron James' Lakers have faced off against Tyronn Lue four times since he became head coach of the Clippers. According to The Athletic's Law Murray, Lue is a perfect 4-0 against the Lakers.

When he's been available over the last few weeks, the Lakers have used LeBron James at the center position to get more spacing and playmaking out of pick-and-rolls. Prior to the game, Tyronn Lue also talked about what makes Lakers lineups with LeBron James at the five so tough.

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ā€œLeBron at any position is a problem,ā€ Lue said. ā€œSo when they go small and put him at the center, that's kind of funny but yeah when you play him at the center. It is different because now you got a five man who can roll. You can't switch it on to him. But also when he rolls you hit him in the short roll, he can make the plays and the passes to get guys open shot so it does cause a problem.ā€

The next opportunity for LeBron James and Lue to go head to head will be Thursday, February 3rd on TNT. That one will be a Clippers home game just prior to the All-Star break.