Los Angeles has two home teams, consisting of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Due to both teams having the same home stadium and the many times they have faced one another, a rivalry has been created between the two teams. The Los Angeles Lakers odds and the Los Angeles Clippers odds are always changing, which makes for an exciting rivalry.
While the Clippers are always seen as the underdogs, this hasn’t stopped fans from being invested in who will come out on top between these two teams. In this article, we will look at the NBA rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
When Did This Rivalry Begin?
This rivalry began when these two teams first faced one another in 1984. In fact, this was the first time these two teams had faced one another since Los Angeles had moved from San Diego to Los Angeles.
It was known that the Los Angeles Clippers were struggling, yet, they still managed to draw a huge crowd for their first home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. In this game, the Lakers won, which then made the Clippers the underdogs in this rivalry.
Where Do The Clippers And Lakers Player?
These two teams both share the same home stadium. This stadium was once known as the Staples center, yet at the end of 2021, the stadium was renamed to the Crypto.com Arena. Since this stadium opened its doors in 1999, both teams have called this place their home and host their home games in the venue.
History Of The Clippers And Lakers Rivalry
The Hallway Series or the Battle of L.A. are common names for the rivalry between these two teams. The Lakers moved to Los Angeles from Minneapolis in 1960, and the Clippers moved up from San Diego in 1984. The two teams have been together there since.
The Lakers have generally led the league and series. The Clippers have increased the competition since former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer bought the team in 2014.
The Lakers hold the greatest winning streak in series history (16), having triumphed in 104 of the 165 games played between the two clubs between 1984 and 2022. Nevertheless, the Clippers won 11 consecutive matches from 2014 to 2016 and have won seven straight games heading into the 2022–2023 season.
In the 2019 off season, both teams made headlines, when the Lakers acquired superstar player Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The Clippers made a huge trade, obtaining Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and All-Pro forward Paul George.
Although the Clippers were pre-season betting favorites, the Lakers clinched the COVID-19-affected Bubble Championship, giving them their first championship since 2010. The Clippers still haven’t claimed a league or conference championship as of 2022. Yet, they are still considered true contenders.
To see how these two teams are doing this season, FanDuel NBA will keep you up to date, with everything you need to know.
Important Players Within The Rivalry
Both teams have a long history of obtaining some of the best players in the NBA. Below are a couple of the more notable players that are associated with either team.
Chris Paul, Clippers Guard – To begin with, Chris Paul was supposed to move over to the Los Angeles Lakers, instead he was traded over to the Clippers. During 2011 to 2017, Chris Paul was an important player within the team, and is the reason for the Los Angeles Clippers success during 2011 to 2015.
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Forward – Since 2019, Leonard has made a great impact on the team. He is an award-winning player, who has helped teams such as the Raptors and Spurs to a championship.
LeBron James, Lakers Forward – Since 2018, LeBron James has made a huge name for himself. In fact, many people would say that he is one of the best basketball players in basketball history. LeBron James has helped Heat, Cavaliers and now Los Angeles to the championships again and again. He has broken records with his playing and is a valued member on and off the court.
Matt Barnes – Mat Barnes has had a very long NBA career, and he has had the opportunity to play for a wide variety of teams. Therefore, Barnes had two stints playing for the Los Angeles Clippers and just one for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2004 and between 2012 and 2015, Matt Barnes played for the Los Angeles Clippers. Then between 2010 and 2012, Barnes played for the Lakers. He is a great player, whom every team wanted.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers have had a rivalry that has spanned almost two decades now. While the Lakers often come out on top, that doesn’t stop the Clippers from making them sweat and come up from behind to be the underdogs. Due to both teams having the same home stadium, there is rivalry on who will be the best Los Angeles team.
We hope this article has made the rivalry between these two teams easier to understand.