A battle for Los Angeles happens this Christmas Day as the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers square off at the Staples Center, with Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant potentially playing the last Christmas Day game of his career.
Both teams lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last games and are looking to return on the winning track.
The Lakers, who are struggling mightily in Bryant's last season, are aiming to beat the Clippers to capture only their sixth victory and bounce back after a 120–85 drubbing received from the Thunder.
Los Angeles heads to the match with an improving Bryant, who has regained his shooting touch in the past few games.
But versus Oklahoma City, Bryant again had a hard time, shooting 7-of-22 from the field including 2-of-7 from the three-point area, which was still enough for a team-leading 19 points.
Despite the effort and Bryant thriving as of late, the Lakers are still stuck at the last spot in the Western Conference standings with a 5–24 record.
Meanwhile, the Clippers seem to be having a hard time finding their groove this season despite a star-laden roster and will go to Friday's game against the Lakers riding a three-game losing streak.
The Clippers' defeat to Oklahoma City was a heartbreaker as they fought tooth and nail, kept the game close, but were stunned by a clutch basket from the Thunder's Kevin Durant.
Leading the way for Lob City in the loss was All-Star point guard Chris Paul who listed 32 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals.
The Clippers fell to the fifth spot in the Western Conference after the loss and are holding a 16–13 record.
The game between the Lakers and Clippers will be today, Dec. 25, at 10:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
