Friday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers faced off at the Staples Center in a hometown battle. To end the half, both Lonzo Ball and Lou Williams hit tough shots from deep — and deeper.

Lonzo's shot was a banked jumper from the right wing. Williams then came back with almost no time on the clock and threw up a hail mary that banked in as well.

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The Clippers have surprisingly been a very good team in the West this season. With the addition of their top draft pick, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team, under the direction of head coach Doc Rivers, started out the season very hot. Montrezl Harrell is having the best season of his career, and the depth of the team is superb.

On the flip side, the Lakers started out slow and have really picked up steam coming into December. The addition of big man Tyson Chandler has really brought a needed element to the team. LeBron James no longer needs to play down low as a rim protector, allowing him to receive less of a beating defensively. Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart have all taken leaps as a collective group, fitting very well next to James.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they will be without James for a period of time. He was diagnosed with a grade three left groin strain and is now day-to-day.