NBA's Showcase Day: Clippers and Lakers Get Into the Christmas Hoopla
It's a potential playoff preview as the two LA teams take the court on Christmas Day
By Tim Reynolds ••
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers fight for the ball on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
The MVP is playing.
So are the reigning champions, north of the border.
And out in LA, the NBA's newest dynamic duos will square off as well.
On the 65th day of the season, with 454 games -- more than one-third of the schedule -- already in the books, the NBA's unofficial start date has arrived. The annual Christmas Day quintupleheader of games is Wednesday, the day where the casual fan typically turns their attention toward the NBA.
"It's going to be cool, man," said Toronto guard Kyle Lowry, who'll be making his Christmas debut. "It's going to be very cool. I've always watched it on TV ever since I was a young child. And it's going to be awesome to step foot on that floor on Christmas Day, have my family and friends around and have the whole world watching."
Arsenio Hall (R) and his son Arsenio Hall Jr. attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 05, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Todd Gurley (L) and YG attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on January 02, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Actor Martin Lawrence talks to Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers before the game against the Utah Jazz on December 28, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Jared Leto attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: (L-R) Taeyong, Mark Lee, and Johnny Seo of NCT 127 attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Queen Latifah attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Billy Crystal attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on November 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Artists Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes attend the game between the LA Clippers and the Toronto Raptors on November 11, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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Kate Hudson and her son Ryder Robinson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on November 07, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Rapper YG (R) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on November 07, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Agent Rich Paul and Chance the Rapper attend the game between the LA Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center on November 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LL Cool J attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center on November 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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DJ Mustard attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center on November 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Benny Blanco (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on November 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Chloe Bridges and Adam DeVine attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on October 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: RD Whittington (L) and Anuel AA attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on October 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Bob Iger (C) attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on October 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Nathan Anderson, Anthony Anderson and Steve Ballmer attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on October 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Actor Chadwick Boseman attends the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Comedian Adam Ray (L) and actor Adam DeVine attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Ty Dolla $ign attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Kate Hudson attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Idina Menzel attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Chloe Bridges and Adam DeVine attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Alex Da Kid attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Diana Taurasi (L) and Lisa Leslie attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Snowboarder Chloe Kim, Soccer Player Alex Morgan, WNAB Legend Lisa Leslie pose for a photo during the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Alex Morgan and Servando Carrasco attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
The good news from a ratings perspective: Four of the Eastern Conference's five best teams so far are on the schedule, all playing each other. The bad news: The two worst teams in the Western Conference so far are also on the schedule. But LeBron James and Anthony Davis' first Christmas as Los Angeles Lakers teammates -- facing off against the crosstown rival Clippers -- should certainly draw plenty of eyeballs.
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"It's Christmas Day," Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. "I hope everybody has a great holiday and spends some time with their families, but it's about the next opponent in front of us. We have to get a win."
The other matchups: Boston goes to Toronto in the NBA's first Christmas game in Canada, followed by Milwaukee visiting Philadelphia, Houston going to Golden State, the Lakers-Clippers contest and then a nightcap between New Orleans and a Denver team led by Nikola Jokic and off to the best start in franchise history at 20-8.
"You're always told that the best teams play on Christmas, the All-Star players play on Christmas and the whole world is watching this game," said Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league's reigning MVP who has even better numbers this year than he did a year ago.
Anthony Davis shakes hands with Flea prior to a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Mark Wahlberg attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Celtics legend Bill Russell wears a Kobe Bryant Jersey to a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(L-R) Byron Allen, Chris Tucker and Bubba Watson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(L-R) Dana White, Paige Butcher, Eddie Murphy and Jeffrey Katzenberg attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
JoJo Siwa attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Jake Gyllenhaal attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on February 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Yasiel Puig, Irv Bauman, Lisa Parigi and Lionel Richie attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on February 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Usher attends the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers game at Staples Center on January 31, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Adam Sandler attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on February 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau attends the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
Rapper Young Thug (R) talks to JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
Mattias Ferrell and his father actor Will Ferrell attend the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Jack Nicholson (L) and Ray Nicholson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Dwight Howard (L) talks to Metta World Peace during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Comedians, Michael Che and Hannibal Buress attend the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers on January 7, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers lands on Kevin Hart at the end of the first half of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers as his kids Heaven Hart and Hendrix Hart and wife Eniko Parrish look on at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
aTrevor Noah (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Actor/Comedian Kevin Hart attends the game between the LA Clippers and /the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Recording artist The Weekend attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Anthony Kiedis attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Tyrese Gibson and Idris Elba attend Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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Holly Sonders, Vegas Dave and Ray Nicholson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Behati Prinsloo (L) and Whitney Hartley Wagner attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Singer Lizzo (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Malcolm Washington (L) and Denzel Washington attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Musician Flea and Melody Ehsani attend the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton attend the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend, Kobe Bryant high five before the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives NBA Legend Kobe Bryant during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks on November 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Vegas Dave, Shawn Lameh, Eniko Hart, Kevin Hart and Jeffrey Katzenberg attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Quavo, Vegas Dave and Shawn Lameh during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers attends the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Sportscaster Erin Andrews (R) and Jarret Stoll attend the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Actress Kate Beckinsale and Jonathan Voluck attend the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Snoop Dogg attends a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 3, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Melissa Forde and Rihanna attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz at the at Staples Center on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Soccer Player, David Beckham, and Romeo Beckham attend the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on October 27, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jerry Lorenzo (L) and his son attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Fat Joe (L) and Vegas Dave attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Adam Levine attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jimmy Iovine attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: (l-R) Rich the Kid, Lil Pump, RD Whittington and Travis Barker attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Designer, Jerry Lorenzo attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Musician, Flea attends the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Rapper, Casanova attends the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actor Jack Nicholson attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actor James Corden attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, talks with rapper 2 Chainz after the Lakers' NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won 115-99. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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David Beckham attends a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Disha Patani watches the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers during a 123-120 win at Staples Center on January 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: Snoop Dogg and manager Big Percy courtside before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Ron Howard, left, and Clint Howard attend an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks Friday, March 1, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: Model Kendall Jenner and agent Rich Paul during a timeout in the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Actor Kevin Hart, left, shakes hands with actor Leonardo DiCaprio during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 121-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Ashton Kutcher watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Rami Malek, center, and Lucy Boynton sit courtside during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Kendall Jenner watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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New York Giants football player Odell Beckham Jr. watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Mahershala Ali, left, watches an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Boxer Manny Pacquiao smiles as he attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Actress Kate Beckinsale watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Television personality Khloe Kardashian watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Los Angeles Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, left, and actor Arsenio Hall laugh during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Jeanie Buss, left, controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, talks with director Spike Lee before an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the New York Knicks on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actresses Jessica Alba, left, and Gabrielle Union pose for a photo before the start of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Rapper Future during the game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Adam Sandler shakes hands with fans as he leaves after watching an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 121-113. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Singer Lionel Richie, right, sits with movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Denzel Washington, left, talks with Magic Johnson, right, and Denzel's wife, Pauletta, during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 114-110. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Odell Beckham Jr. courtside during the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Jack Nicholson attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jonah Hill and Na-kel Smith attend a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kendall Jenner attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Houston rapper Travis Scott attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kate Beckinsale attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Singer Geri Horner, also known as Ginger Spice, center, sits with her husband, Christian Horner, right, and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Spurs won 143-142. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Rapper Nipsey Hussle shakes hands with Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles.
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Actor George Lopez attends the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Jack Nicholson sits courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Jack Nicholson is seen courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jack Black and Will Ferrell attend a Los Angeles Lakers game in this undated photo.
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Actress Lauren Graham (L) and model Cindy Crawford attend the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actress Lauren Graham (R) and friend attend the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (R) plays with Vanessa Bryant's daughter at the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Dustin Hoffman attends the playoff game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles on April 28, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta attend the playoff game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles on April 28, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Adam Sandler attends Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actors Adam Sandler (L) and David Spade attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Sidney Poitier attends Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 31, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake smile from their courtside seats during the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Luke Wilson (L) and Pete Sampras (R) attend the Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets game at Staples Center on May 6, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
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Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyonce attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks on February 24, 2010 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
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Actor Sylvester Stallone attends the NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
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Actress Lindsay Lohan attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 109-87.
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Actor Mark Wahlberg and his son Michael Wahlberg smile courtside during the game against the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Camilla Belle attends the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on April 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
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Soccer star David Beckham and his son Romeo Beckham smile courtside during the game against the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Actress January Jones sits courtside during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on May 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Will Ferrell (L) and John C. Reilly attend the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on May 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
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Actor Will Ferrell shouts during the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Michael B. Jordan attends the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Heaven Hart, Hendrix Hart, Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
The potential certainly exists for some playoff-preview matchups. It's not a stretch to think that the Raptors and Celtics or 76ers and Bucks will wind up meeting in a best-of-seven come April or May. And the same holds true in Los Angeles, where the Clippers and Lakers might be the best of the West.
The Lakers have Davis and James. The Clippers now have Paul George and two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Those two pairings shook up the league's landscape considerably when they came together this past summer, and so far with the Lakers are 24-6 and the Clippers at 22-10 neither side has much to complain about.
"I think we're good," George said. "I think we're good."
The Clippers are 10-3 in games where both Leonard and George start. Davis and James are one of two duos where both are averaging more than 25 points per game; Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins in Minnesota are the other.
The pairing of James and Davis has looked spectacular at times already. If there was any confusion about whether those two superstar talents could work together, those questions have been answered.
"We know what the end goal is," Davis said. "And when you have guys like that, with veteran leadership, when everyone is locked in to our goal, it's easy for us to jell together."
James puts it even more simply.
"It's about getting better, each and every day," James said.
Christmas is where last year's Lakers season went wrong -- they were fourth in the West, then James got hurt on Dec. 25 and L.A. went on a freefall out of the playoff picture. And injuries will affect some of what the league gets to display on Christmas this year as well.
Golden State has been doomed by injuries all season, with no Klay Thompson and no Stephen Curry for much of this season. New Orleans was picked to be part of the showcase day because of No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, who has yet to appear in a regular-season game -- his summer league was cut short by injury, and a stellar preseason ended the same way. And Toronto is missing several top players right now, including Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Los Angeles Lakers Forward Anthony Davis (3) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) look on during a NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James meet at center court ahead of the opening night matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James battle on the Staples Center court during the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers' Opening Night matchup at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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LeBron James is surrounded by media as he comes over for the captain's meeting on Opening Night of the Los Angeles Lakers at LA Clippers at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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The LA Clippers' mascot was wildly waving a flag during introductions at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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The LA Clippers' mascot was wildly waving a flag during introductions at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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The Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers tip-off the 2019-20 season at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Kawhi Leonard makes a crafty pass to Ivica Zubac in the LA Clippers' 112-102 victory at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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For the LA Clippers introductions, a group of drummers and a red lighting took over Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Kawhi Leonard is introduced to the LA Clippers' home fans at Staples Center for the first time, but with a healthy showing from Lakers' fans, there was a notable spattering of boos at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots his trademark fadeaway jumper at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers finishes through the foul at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers addresses the media ahead of the NBA season opener at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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The LA Clippers beat the LA Lakers 112-102 on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Anthony Davis chases down a ball and makes an impressive steal at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard matchup in the first half of the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers game on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Kawhi Leonard makes a crafty pass to Ivica Zubac in the LA Clippers' 112-102 victory at Staples Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
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Hong Kong supporters protest outside Staples Center ahead of the Lakers vs Clippers NBA season opener in Los Angeles on October 22, 2019. - Activists handed out free T-shirts displaying support for the Hong Kong protests after an NBA fan in Northern California raised enough money to pay for more than 10,000 shirts, according to the organizer who goes by the pseudonym "Sun Lared" as LeBron James of the Lakers suffers the brunt of people's anger after comments he made in response to the tweet from Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey in support of Hong Kong protesters, and drawing the ire of the Chinese Communist Pary. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: A pro-Hong Kong activist holds a poster of LeBron James with the words 'King of Chinese Money' before the Los Angeles Lakers season opening game against the LA Clippers outside Staples Center on October 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Activists also printed at least 10,000 pro-Hong Kong t-shirts to hand out to those attending the game and encouraged them to wear the free shirts as a form of peaceful protest against China amidst Chinese censorship of NBA games. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
But make no mistake: The Raptors have been waiting a long time to be part of NBA Christmas. Wednesday is their first time on the holiday schedule since 2001.
"It'll be interesting," Toronto coach Nick Nurse said. "I wish we had more of our regular guys playing in it, but we've got to go play the game nevertheless. So we'll see. I think it'll be fun. I'm getting a lot of messages from back home. Everybody's going to be watching."
