Lakers at Clippers: Countdown at 24

"Twenty-four" is the number of note entering Tuesday's LA Lakers versus LA Clippers rematch. No, "24" does not refer to Kobe Bryant. Bryant will likely sit on the sidelines during the contest, but his famous no. 24 jersey will only be visible in the crowd, as the five-time champion is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

On the heels of a phenomenal national championship, one may think that the number of note could refer to the NBA's shot clock. No, the shot clock should be functional, and valuing every possession is important, but the reason to keep the no. 24 in mind is far simpler than that.

The 2014/15 LA Lakers only have 24 quarters remaining in their season. Twenty-four quarters provide these Lakers the opportunity to further cement their place in the darkest depth of the franchise. At the least, this team will finish with the worst record since the franchise arrived in LA. However, finishing as the worst team in franchise history remains a real possibility. The Lakers need two wins in their final six games to avoid finishing with the worst winning percentage in franchise history.

These are 24 quarters, frankly, just about everyone could do without. However, the Lakers held practice on Monday and return to the court on Tuesday night. The LA Clippers, who have won six in a row against their Staples Center co-tenants, plan on pounding the Lakers once again on Tuesday. On average, the Clippers have outscored the Lakers by 27.8 points per game over the past six contests. Right on average, the Clippers beat the Lakers by 28 points on Sunday.

Two days later, the Lakers have not miraculously improved, and the Clippers have not suddenly lost the ability to play basketball. The first four of the final 24 quarters could be the ugliest of the season. Doc Rivers, Chris Paul and the LA Clippers have not been merciful in this down time for the LA Lakers, and Tuesday promises another lopsided loss.

For those who intend to torture themselves by watching a lamb being tortured and slaughtered on Tuesday night, Lakers rookie Jordan Clarkson is a player to keep an eye on. After Paul and the Clippers lit up the Lakers on Sunday, Clarkson made a point to study film and adjust to the Clippers' defensive schemes that focused on neutralizing the 22-year-old.

With the rare rematch, Clarkson's ability to adjust and improve on Tuesday provides an interesting side story to distract from the scoreboard. After all, the game itself should be a one-sided entirely non-competitive contest. Even calling it a contest sounds like a stretch at this point.