Stephen A. Smith has boldly claimed that the Los Angeles Clippers have essentially owned the Los Angeles Lakers over the past several years, despite the presence of superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers’ roster. This statement came in response to a question about which team is the best in Los Angeles following the Clippers’ acquisition of James Harden in a trade.

“Well, me personally, I’m going to tell you the Clippers, even though the Los Angeles Lakers are led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Clippers have essentially owned the Los Angeles Lakers over the last several years, especially when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are on the court.”

“That’s just the way that it’s been. And until the Lakers find a way to beat them, I’m going to maintain that position. The Clippers have had the Lakers’ numbers for years.”

Smith pointed out that when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are on the court, the Clippers have consistently had the upper hand over their crosstown rivals, the Lakers. He emphasized that the Clippers have maintained their dominance over the Lakers and that the Lakers need to find a way to beat them in order to change the narrative.

Supporting Smith’s claim is the historical head-to-head record between the two teams. The Clippers have a remarkable 37-9 record against the Lakers in the last 13 seasons. Additionally, the Clippers have triumphed in their last 11 consecutive meetings with the Lakers. This remarkable run of success for the Clippers underlines the notion that they have been a thorn in the side of the Lakers.

Smith’s statement and the statistical data reinforce the idea that the Clippers have emerged as a formidable force in Los Angeles, challenging the Lakers’ traditional dominance. It’s a testament to the changing landscape of the NBA and the competition between two powerhouse teams in the same city, setting the stage for exciting basketball rivalries in the years to come.

The Lakers Need To Break Their Clippers Jinx

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in the unenviable position of being unable to conquer their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. Since their triumphant NBA bubble championship win in 2020, the Lakers have struggled to secure a victory against the Clippers. Despite a few close encounters, the majority of these games have been one-sided in favor of the Clippers. The recent run of defeats is an unsettling trend for Lakers fans and the organization.

Both the Lakers and the Clippers have faced their share of adversity, with key players battling injuries. The Lakers have dealt with significant absences from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while the Clippers saw Kawhi Leonard and Paul George sidelined at times. Injuries have certainly played a role in the unpredictability of these matchups.

The Lakers’ concern, however, lies in the fact that the Clippers have notched 11 consecutive victories against them. With more meetings scheduled in the near future, the Lakers must find a way to break this losing streak and assert their dominance over their city rivals. Their upcoming clashes with the Clippers are crucial as the Lakers seek to end the season with a winning record against a formidable opponent and shift the balance of power in Los Angeles back in their favor.

The Clippers Will Remain In Lakers’ Shadow Until They Win

The Los Angeles Clippers have undeniably asserted their dominance over the Lakers in recent years, with a remarkable 11-game winning streak against their crosstown rivals. However, despite this impressive run of success, it’s clear that the Clippers will always be in the shadow of the Lakers in Los Angeles.

The Lakers have a storied history of success, including a championship win in 2020 and a deep playoff run to the Western Conference Finals in 2023. The Clippers, on the other hand, reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in their franchise history in 2021. While they have made significant strides in recent years, they are still far from rivaling the Lakers’ illustrious history and tradition.

The Clippers have faced difficulties building a fan base and brand recognition in a city dominated by the Lakers. Their decision to move to a new arena in Inglewood is a testament to their struggle to establish their identity and presence in Los Angeles.

The addition of James Harden to the Clippers’ roster, alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, represents their best opportunity to escape the Lakers’ shadow. However, it’s not just about competing; the Clippers need to secure an NBA championship to truly make a mark and challenge the Lakers’ supremacy in LA. Until then, they will remain a talented team that falls short of the Lakers’ historic legacy.