Clippers minus 5 vs. Lakers
The Clippers have owned this series winning 11 of the past 12 times with an average winning margin of 13.4 points.
The Lakers are trying to cut the gap stockpiling young talent. But the Clippers remain at least one level higher than the Lakers even without the departed Chris Paul. The Clippers still have star power with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
The Clippers’ window of challenging the Warriors has closed with Paul’s departure, but they still are a solid playoff contender with a chip on their shoulder to prove they can win without Paul. The Clippers take their games against the Lakers very serious. This certainly won’t be an exception.
The storyline here is the NBA debut of Lonzo Ball, who missed most of the preseason because of a sprained ankle. He’ll likely be rusty and hounded by defensive ace Patrick Beverley. The Lakers may improve as the season goes on. But right now they are vulnerable to a veteran, motivated team such as the Clippers.
Note, too, that the Lakers do not have a home court advantage as both teams use Staples Center as their home court.