Crosstown NBA Rivalry Finishes Chapter With Electric Finish
The name "Crypto.com Arena" lacks the same resonance as "Staples Center" for the epic clashes between the Clippers and Lakers. February 28th, 2024 marked the final battle between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers are relocating just 14 miles to the newly-built, 1,100 urinal's, Intuit Dome in Inglewood next season where they will debut a new logo and jersey colorway. Unsurprisingly forgotten, there was once a debate about which team was the best Los Angeles basketball team.
Respect Versus Longevity
According to statmuse.com, the record between the Lakers and Clippers since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined right before the start of the 2019-2020 season finishes at 5-14 in favor of the Clippers. The 19 games only occurred in the regular season, as it is astonishing that there has been no playoff series between them. The Leonard-George Clippers may have a winning record over the Lakers and the rest of the league but there is one accomplishment they do not and that is an NBA championship. Some may argue about the legitimacy of the championships, but rings do not have asterisks.
Neutral Ground, Neutral Thrills
Besides, the matchups between the two in a neutral arena can be described as ho-hum. Seven games ended in a blowout above ten points. Another seven have ended within five points. The last five games out of the 19-game sample ended either in over five points but less than eleven. Leonard missed three matchups, James missed two, Davis missed four, and George missed six. Even Lebron James said, "it`s not a rivalry" to Yahoo Sports` Chris Haynes in 2019. Despite the inattentiveness of the star players, some of the games had an undeniable aura to them.
Being able to witness the first and last games between the two home teams is a cherished piece of history. As the meme goes, anything Lebron James says should be taken with a grain of salt. It sure seemed like the 39-year-old cared during the last matchup on ESPN. James led his Lakers to a 21-point comeback where he outscored the Clippers singlehandedly 19-16. He saw three rims and shot the ball in the middle one with five threes in the fourth quarter.
Long live the disappointing rivalry that was the Battle of Los Angeles but thank you for a memorable final sendoff. The rivalry will forever be known as the fakest one to transpire. Maybe decades down the line will fans be able to tell their grandchildren about the substandard rivalry that may be lost in time.