2. Capitalize on size advantage
The first two times the Lakers and Clippers played this season, the Lakers were not able to take advantage of the size differential they possess. The Lakers have been absolutely killing teams this season with their size and length.
Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, and JaVale McGee have given opposing teams nightmares all year long, just too big and too strong for most other frontcourts. Offensively and defensively, the Lakers have had an advantage in the frontcourt in almost every game.
In both games against the Clippers, however, the Lakers have not been able to capitalize on their size advantage.
The Lakers are second in the NBA in points in the paint per game, with almost 54 points a game, per NBA.com. The Grizzlies are the only team that scores more points in the paint than the Lakers. On Christmas Day and Opening Night, though, the Lakers found themselves outscored in the paint, both times.
On the 22nd of October, Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard shot a combined 9-for-24. On the 25th of December, Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee shot a combined 9-for-20.
The Lakers must exploit the advantage that they so obviously have. The Clippers can’t get away with putting Ivicia Zubac or Montrezl Harrell on Anthony Davis. The Lakers can’t let them.
If the game on Sunday has a similar result in the restricted area that the previous two have had, the Lakers will, once again, struggle to win.