The Los Angeles Lakers have the team’s first matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday night. There are always extra eyeballs on this game as like it or not, the Clippers have developed into a rival for the purple and gold.
The Lake Show is also looking to end an embarrassing streak against the Clippers. The Clippers have won 11 straight regular-season games against the Lakers, dating all the way back to the 2020 Orlando Bubble.
The domination has lasted much longer than that as well. Dating back to the 2012-13 season, the Lakers are 7-40 against their cross-hall rivals. The purple and gold are hoping that the 2023-24 season can be the start of a new era in this rivalry, as it is certainly a start of a new era for the Clippers; that era being with former MVP, James Harden.
Is James Harden playing tonight vs the Lakers?
James Harden was just traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers. While fans are patiently awaiting his debut for the Clippers, it does not look like he will enter the Lakers-Clippers rivalry quite yet.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Harden will “possibly debut” on Monday against the New York Knicks. That rules Harden out for Wednesday’s game.
Full Clippers injury report vs Lakers:
Kawhi Leonard is considered day-to-day but it is not because of any injury he has. Leonard played in Tuesday night’s win over the Orlando Magic, putting his status up in the air for Wednesday’s back-to-back against the purple and gold. Paul George does not have any designation for Wednesday.
Terrence Mann (ankle) did not play on Tuesday against the Magic. It is unclear what his status is against the Lakers although it does not look promising that he will play.
Full Lakers injury report vs Clippers:
Neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis have an injury designation after playing a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday. Both players are good to go for their third game in four days against the Clippers.
Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) and Jalen Hood-Schifino are both still out on Wednesday. Rui Hachimura (eye) is considered doubtful while Cam Reddish (foot) is considered probable.