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The city-rivals Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers faced off each other on Wednesday night in their first matchup of the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Ahead of the game, Lakers star LeBron James carried out his pre-game rituals, dapping up the Clippers starters, however, his former Lakers teammate Russell Westbrook seemingly avoided any interaction with the four-time NBA champion.
LeBron James inspired the Lakers to snap their 11-game losing streak against the Clippers in the regular season fixtures on Wednesday night by winning the game in overtime. After both teams were leveled at 117-117 at the end of the four quarters, the Lakers went on to win the game by 130-125.
Ahead of the tip-off, LeBron James dapped up the Clippers starters Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and Bones Hyland at the mid-court. However, one player seemingly avoided the interaction with James ahead of the match and he was none other than his former Lakers rival Russell Westbrook. The 34-year-old Brody appeared to stand under the rim when the 38-year-old was greeting his opponents.
Watch the video here:
In February this year, LeBron James and the LA Lakers parted ways with Russell Westbrook, who joined the Lakers in 2021 as his fourth team in three years, and the point guard was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves. Later, Westbrook and the Utah Jazz reached a contract buyout agreement and the Clippers signed him on February 22.
Talking about the game, LeBron James registered 35 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks with a 13-19 field goal (68%) and a 4-8 three-point shooting (50%). Apart from him, Anthony Davis scored 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks with 55.6 percent shooting from the field while D'Angelo Russell recorded 27 points and six assists.
Watch LeBron James' performance:
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard led the scoring with 38 points followed by Paul George's 35 points with 68.8 percent from the field. On the other hand, Russell Westbrook registered 24 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals, shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc.
