Lakers’ new trio sparks win over Clippers; Lue insists on playoff push; Garland eyes debut; Rosen joins Lakers’ front office
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The Los Angeles Lakers rolled out their upgraded starting five on Friday night and edged the Los Angeles Clippers, 125-122, at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Doncic exploded for 38 points and 11 assists, Austin Reaves added 29 points, and LeBron James finished with 13 points and 11 assists while playing through knee soreness. The game marked one of the first times head coach JJ Redick had his full roster available.
“Every game, every second, every minute that we’re on the floor together, it helps,” James said after the win. “We’ve just got to keep pushing. We’ve got a tough team coming in on Sunday against the Celtics—obviously a lifetime NBA rivalry—so we’ve got to be ready for them.”
Clippers refuse to tank
Despite significant roster turnover before the trade deadline, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue dismissed any notion of shutting things down. Sitting ninth in the Western Conference, the club is currently positioned for the play-in tournament.
“I just feel confident in our players, in our coaching staff, in the culture we’ve set,” Lue told reporters. “You’re playing to win. Our goal is to make the playoffs, and I don’t know why somebody would scoff at that.”
Garland ready for “really, really soon” return
Newly acquired guard Darius Garland admitted he was initially unsure about leaving Cleveland but is now “super excited” to share the floor with Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old has not played since Jan. 14 because of a toe injury but told Andscape he plans to be back “really, really soon.”
Collins receives stitches
Forward John Collins took a shot to the face Friday and required stitches above his left eye. He remained in the game, finishing with 12 points in 16 minutes.
Rosen returns to Lakers
The Lakers hired longtime Dodgers executive Lon Rosen as president of business operations. Rosen replaces Tim Harris, who is stepping down after 35 years with the franchise. Serving as the Dodgers’ executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012—the year majority owner Mark Walter bought the baseball team—Rosen began his sports career as an intern with the 1980s “Showtime” Lakers and later became an agent and business partner of Magic Johnson.
Source: Hoops Rumors
