Lakers disappoint NBA fans in loss to Clippers as LeBron James Records Double-Double | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 19, 2025 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

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In a game in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Clippers took a 116-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James posted a double-double in the loss.

James contributed 25 points, five rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 9-of-20 from the field. Anthony Davis added 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

The Lakers fell to 22-18 on the season, while the Clippers improved to 24-17 and extended their winning streak to four games.

James Harden finished the night with 21 points, four rebounds and 12 assists while shooting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. Norman Powell contributed 22 points in the dominant win as four starters scored in double figures.

Fans were disappointed with the Lakers’ performance and called for a backup to the 40-year-old James, specifically a center to help bolster the team’s frontcourt.

Golden Knight @GoldenKnightGFX

It’s again very obvious what the Lakers need before the deadline

Lakers Daily @LakersDailyCom

Ivica Zubac looks like Wilt Chamberlain against us.

Lakers Daily @LakersDailyCom

Zubac wreaks havoc on the offensive glass. Please Rob…

Jason Timpf @_JasonLT

The Lakers have looked mediocre to bad all year on the road.

LoJo Media @LoJoMedia

Just careless turnover of the Lakers! SMH!

Ryan Rueda @iDude14

The Lakers need one more move before the trade deadline, for this team it is right now.
Get a reliable backup C and a 2-way player, @JeanieBuss. Thanks!

Dodger Stan account @itejh

I’m tired when I back off from watching Laker games until after the trade deadline

The Lakers have been missing a key piece all season, actively exploring backup center options in the past few weeks. This is a move that needs to happen quickly if they want to remain competitive.

They have struggled against opposing big men, with rumors circulating that they are eyeing Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas before the Feb. 6 deadline, according to ESPN’s Michael Wright.

Valančiūnas would be a valuable addition off the bench for the Lakers. The 32-year-old is averaging 11.5 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 55.1 percent from the field.

Despite their mistakes, the Lakers put together a competitive second half against the Clippers, sparked by a stellar performance from James.

James made 3-of-6 shots in the first quarter and finished the half with 13 points, three rebounds and six assists as the Lakers trailed 64-49 at halftime.

Despite a slow start for Harden, who scored just nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, he kicked it into gear in the second half to finish with a double-double.

Close scoring in the second half saw both teams score 28 points in the third quarter, with the Lakers narrowly outscoring the Clippers 25-24 in the fourth. However, their early mistakes were too much to overcome as the Clippers sealed the win.

The Lakers look to bounce back on Tuesday against the 6-34 Washington Wizards at home.