First Clippers-Lakers game of 2022-23 season set for Oct. 20

The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, while the Clippers have won none. But the rivalry between these two teams has favored the Clippers in recent years. The Clippers are 32-7 against the Lakers over the last 10 years, including seven straight wins in the last two seasons. 

Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and company obviously want this to continue. The Lakers, on the other hand, will be looking for payback. The Clippers swept the regular season series against the Lakers 4-0 last year, including a 132-111 beatdown in their last meeting on March 3.

What to expect from both teams 

The Lakers hope that LeBron James and a healthy Anthony Davis can lead them back to the playoffs. The Clippers expect that Leonard’s return will be the missing piece of the puzzle and the catalyst of a deep playoff run.

Leonard missed all of last season because of a torn ACL in his right knee but the two-time NBA champion seems to be in the best shape of his life.

Hopefully these two teams are healthy when the season starts. The last time James, Davis, Leonard and George played on the same court was on December 22, 2020. The Clippers won that game 116-109 behind 33 points and six rebounds from George and 26 points from Leonard. James led the Lakers with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists and Davis added 18 points and seven rebounds.

On paper, the Clippers have a better roster than the Lakers right now. The Clippers added John Wall to their solid core while the Lakers still have question marks with some roster spots as well as with Russell Westbrook’s future.