Is the Lakers-Clippers matchup a genuine NBA rivalry? The “Battle of L.A.” certainly has its moments, especially as both teams find themselves among the top six seeds in the Western Conference this season, with the Lakers currently holding the fourth spot and the Clippers in sixth.
These two Los Angeles teams are set to clash twice soon, on February 28 and March 2, marking their final regular-season encounters of the 2024-25 campaign. This series will also highlight Luka Dončić’s debut against the Clippers as a member of the Lakers, adding another layer of excitement to the rivalry.
Earlier this season, the teams split their first two meetings, which only intensifies the question: Is this rivalry real?
Here’s a look at the numbers that define the “Battle of L.A.”:
0: Despite facing each other 241 times, the Lakers and Clippers have never met in the playoffs. This number also reflects the lack of championships for the Clippers.
2: Both franchises share a connection with Hall of Famer Jerry West. The 12-time All-NBA star spent his entire career with the Lakers and later served as a consultant for the Clippers from 2017 to 2024.
3: Since the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles from Minneapolis in 1960, the Clippers have undergone three name changes and city relocations: starting as the Buffalo Braves (1970-78), then the San Diego Clippers (1978-84), and finally becoming the LA Clippers (1984-present).
4: Before the Lakers’ back-to-back victories against the Clippers last season, they had not achieved consecutive wins over their city rivals in four years, dating back to the 2019-20 season.
8: Since LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018, the team has a record of 8-17 against the Clippers, although they did claim the 2020 NBA Finals title with James leading the charge.
11: The Clippers have achieved two separate 11-game winning streaks against the Lakers, first from January 2014 to April 2016, and again from December 2020 to April 2023.
12: The distance between Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers, and Intuit Dome, home of the Clippers, is just twelve miles. This number also signifies the number of overtime games the two teams have played against each other.
17: The Lakers have secured 17 NBA championships, ranking second in league history.
23.6: Kawhi Leonard, who joined the Clippers in 2019, has averaged 23.6 points per game in the 16 games he has played against the Lakers.
25: From the 1999-2000 season through the 2023-24 season, both teams shared Crypto.com Arena for their home games, marking 25 years of competition. The Clippers are now in their inaugural season at the Intuit Dome.
26.4: In the 19 games LeBron James has played against the Clippers since joining the Lakers, he has averaged 26.4 points per game.
38: Since the 2012-13 season, the Clippers have won 38 out of 49 matchups against the Lakers, showcasing their competitive edge in recent years.
68: A total of 68 players have suited up for both the Lakers and the Clippers, including notable names such as Russell Westbrook, Bob McAdoo, DeAndre Jordan, and Lamar Odom.
108: Since the Clippers’ move to Los Angeles in 1984, the Lakers have maintained a winning record of 108-67 against them.
154: Out of the 241 encounters, the Lakers have emerged victorious 154 times, holding a commanding record of 154-87.
FOLLOW
Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
National Basketball Association
Los Angeles Lakers
LA Clippers
