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The LA Clippers started the 2022-23 NBA season on a positive note as they defeated local rivals the LA Lakers last night. Despite the Lakers making a comeback late in the game, the Clippers managed to hold on to the win.
The Lakers came off a loss from their season opener against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. On the other hand, it was the Clippers' first game of the season and they are expected to be a serious threat in the Western Conference following their big offseason moves.
Here are five takeaways from the LA Clippers' season opener against the LA Lakers:
1. Kawhi Leonard is on a minutes restriction
Kawhi Leonard is back on the floor with the Clippers. He didn't start the game last night, but was part of the five players that closed the game.
In his first game back, he played 21 minutes and had 14 points, seven rebounds, and one steal. Although he only shot 25% from downtown, Leonard converted 50% of his shots from the field.
On a minute restriction currently, Leonard is looking to ease his way back to help the Clippers contend for a title.
2. The LA Clippers are stacked this season
The LA Clippers added John Wall to a veteran minimum deal in the offseason. His addition has given the team another reliable facilitator that could come off the bench for Reggie Jackson. Wall scored 15 points in 24 minutes against the LA Lakers.
With Leonard and Wall coming off the bench last night, the Lakers struggled to stop the duo. Even role players like Robert Covington and Luke Kennard made major contributions against the Lakers.
Overall, the Clippers' roster is very deep and they are expected to be one of the major forces in the West this season.
3. The LA Lakers improved on one aspect after the game
After their season debut against the Warriors, it was clear that the LA Lakers needed to improve on many things. They need to work on their defense, and more importantly, their outside shooting.
Against the LA Clippers, the team played better defense. Russell Westbrook had five steals that helped the Lakers make a comeback in the game.
However, the Lakers still lack 3-point shooting as they shot nine out of 45 from deep against the Clippers.
4. Anthony Davis looked uncomfortable
While Anthony Davis played with good defensive intensity in the game, offensively, his decision-making was questionable at times as he settled for too many outside shots against the LA Clippers last night.
So the interesting question is, is AD trying to avoid physicality in the paint?
He also appeared to have hurt himself after falling awkwardly on Kawhi Leonard during the game. Lakers fans will be sweating on AD's fitness in the coming days.
5. The Lakers are in desperate need of a shooter
It's clear that the Lakers need to work on one major aspect of their system — 3-point shooting. AD and Matt Ryan were the only ones that connected at least 50% from the perimeter. The others, including LeBron James, shot 25% and below.
If the Lakers want to be relevant this season, they have to address this issue. If the team continues to underperform, it will be interesting to see if the front office decides to trade Russ for a reliable shooter.
