<div align="center"> <font color="purple">Los Angeles Lakers</font> (10-8) @ <font color="blue">Los Angeles Clippers</font> (11-7) Date: Saturday, December 11th Time: 7:30 PM TV: KCAL Previous Games: Suns @ Lakers 113-110 (LOSS) Bobcats @ Clippers 99-93 2OT (WIN) Projected Starting Lineups <font color="purple">LAKERS</font> <font size="1">(Rudy Tomjanovich)</font> <font size="1">(Chucky Atkins, Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm)</font> <font size="4">VS</font> <font color="Blue">CLIPPERS</font> <font size="1">(Mike Dunleavy Sr.)</font> <font size="1">(Marko Jaric, Xzibit, Bobby Simmons, Chris Wilcox, Chris Kaman)</font> Factors off the Bench <font size="1">(Brian Cook, Mikki Moore)</font> Game MVPs LAKERS - <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> Predicted Stats: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists CLIPPERS - <font color="blue">Corey Maggette</font> Predicted Stats: 28 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists</div> Brandon's Analysis This game is going to go down to the wire, and the reason why is because the Lakers' defense isn't going to be able to contain both Maggette AND Simmons. Butler will really have to step it up in this game defensively, because Simmons is going to be draining shots early if left open. If Kobe has to help contain Bobby, Maggette is liable to go off and score 20 in the first half. In Elton Brand's absence will more than likely be Chris Wilcox, moving down to play the four while Kaman takes control of the paint. While Wilcox is no punk, he isn't Elton Brand...so Odom should have an easier time with him. If Lamar uses his two advantages over Chris (speed and agility), he can beat him to the hoop and hopefully draw the foul. Also, Mihm has an easier matchup against Kaman, so instead of having a tough, physical battle against Wilcox, he'll be up against a player who's defense isn't the best part of his game. The Lakers' bench should be a huge factor in this game. The Clippers have Mikki Moore as their potential spark late in the first and second quarters...but the Lakers have a few more options than that...with Brian Cook being the best scoring option off the bench. Hopefully, Bobbitt starts to see minutes, so his defensive presence can be considered a valuable asset for the Lakers in the future. However, Vujacic will more than likely suit up to play the point and to also backup Kobe (for limited minutes, obviously...or maybe none at all). Brandon's Prediction The Lakers will struggle on the offensive glass, especially with Wilcox in the game, and Maggette crashing the boards. This should lead to alot of Clipper second chance points, but eventually, the Lakers will pull it together...and Dunleavy will wish Brand was out defending the lane. The Lakers should take this one in a close game, 92-87.
The Lakers fell apart last game and I thikn the Clippers are going to come out gunning, they have had a lot of time off, I think they will surprise the Lakers and take this one by 2 in a very close game even without Brand...97-95
Lakers will not struggle. This game is a win win situation. After the game against Suns we need a win really bad. The whole team will do everything to win. Lakers by at least 5
The Game of the LA Teams...I See the Clippers actually giving the Lakers a hard time here.If the Lakers have problems with rebounding and slippery defense,than the Clippers could very well easliy take the game from the Lakers.so this is a very important game for the Lakers..another loss is going to make matters worse for the Lakers if they want to stay in the mix of the Pacfic division. But,If the Lakers just get some good offensive plays and bring a great Defensive oriented game on,the Lakers will win it. Here's my prediction...Last minute..but the Lakers will win by 1 Lakers 88 Clippers 87
This is going to be a very interesting matchup. The Clippers are having a suprisingly good start to the season. First in the league in shooting and second in assists. But Kobe has been outstanding with two straight triple doubles. I remember the first time these two teams met in the season, the Lakers had 6 players with double figures. I think since Brand is out, it'll be easier for the Lakers to beat the Clippers. Lakers by 5.
ahahahahah apparently nobody else saw realbneal called cmag xzibit in the preview. Hahahah that's funny. Go Clippers!!!!!
Even though the Clippers are not the same Clippers as previous years, the Lakers always win these games. I say Lakers by 7.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SupraJames:</div><div class="quote_post">ahahahahah apparently nobody else saw realbneal called cmag xzibit in the preview. Hahahah that's funny. Go Clippers!!!!!</div> I thought nobody would catch that. Just seeing who reads the previews closely. jk
Kobe realizes that the Clippers, one of the teams he was considering to sign with in the offseason... is doing better than his Lakers, statiscally. Therefore, I expect Kobe to come out with a lot of energy and lead the Lakers past the Clippers. He's going to send a message: "I told ya I knew what I was doing when I signed with the Lakers!" I expect leadership, and of course lots of points, rebounds and assists from Mr. Bryant... i'm hoping Lamar Odom steps up BIG for once... It would be nice too if Caron Butler decides to play some decent Basketball. I take the Lakers by 3. 94-91...
they need to run more plays through odom, get him into it, the game is getting to dependent on kobe and if he goes cold, its bad cuz no one else is scoring/playing. and it is happening, lakers=cold
If Kobe keeps dominating like this, the other Laker's can just do what they've been almost doing all year which has been pretty much stand there, and watch in amazement.
