In the battle between the two Western titans, it was the Los Angeles Lakers who came out on top over the LA Clippers, 103-101.

It was a rough game at the onset with both teams committing early fouls. But as the game progressed, it proved to be a tight and entertaining game that had to be decided in the final seconds.

With less than 30 seconds remaining in the fourth, Clippers forward Paul George hit a pull-up 3-pointer to tie the game. However, LeBron James retaliated by following up his own miss on the other end to give the lead back to the Lakers. George had a chance to win the game. But James put on his best defensive stance to prevent that and seal the win. The season series is now tied at 2-2.

The game started off with both the Lakers and Clippers kneeling in solidarity as the Compton Kidz Club performed the National Anthem. All players donned a black shirt with the “Black Lives Matter” on their chest — the movement against social injustice that the NBA has vowed to support in its restart.

At the onset, the momentum belonged to the Lakers, mounting as much as a 13 point lead in the first half. Much of their success was due to LeBron James' playmaking. James, who's in his 17th year in the league, showcased his vintage play, dishing out five assists early on. He finished the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

And once again, the Lakers superstar hushed down concerns of rust at aging after spiking one down on the Clippers.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray

Sonny Giuliano ·

cG9zdDoyODA3Mjc1-thumbnail

Joey Mistretta ·

lebron james nikola jokic

Michael Corvo ·

It was Anthony Davis who carried much of the offensive chores for the Lakers. He finished with 34 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

The Clippers, meanwhile, got expected productions from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard finished with 28 (19 points in the first half), four rebounds, and four assists. For his part, George had 30 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Apart from that critical 3-pointer in the fourth, George nailed back-to-back 3-pointers in the third to help spark a mini-run.

The Lakers will face the Toronto Raptors for their second seeding game on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Clippers will duel with the New Orleans Pelicans.