Despite Winning NBA In-Season Tournament, Lakers Deprived of Stephen A. Smith’s “LA” Crown Over Fierce Rivals Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers were crowned the first-ever In-Season Tournament Champions after maintaining an unbeaten 7-0 record for the entirety of the tournament. Notably, they went against some of the strongest teams in the league to claim the NBA Cup. Whereas their rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, failed to even secure a quarterfinal berth after going 1-3 in the group play stage.

However, despite the tourney win, Stephen A. Smith picks the Clippers over the Lakers in the battle of the most impressive team in LA.

Are the Clippers the better team in LA?

During First Take’s recent episode, veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins discussed which team is the most impressive in LA. According to Smith, the only thing that can throw a spanner on the Clippers’ success this season might be injuries. Otherwise, the Clippers-assembled All-Star Big Four can potentially outshine the Lakers. “If they’re fully loaded with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, I can’t just give it to the Lakers, bro. I would love the Lakers, you know because it’s different when the Lakers are winning; the Clippers are fine, but when the Lakers are winning LA, it is special in so many ways. I know that, but I can’t dismiss the Clippers, bro I just can’t.”

That was a bold claim on Smith’s part since the Lakers proved their mettle against their foes in their last matchup. The Lakers, who hadn’t beaten the Clippers since Bubble 2020, clinched an overtime 130-125 victory to snap the 11-game losing skid. Despite the Lakers’ historic comeback, they failed to impress SAS as the better team in LA. And the Lakers’ defeat against the bottom-seeded San Antonio Spurs certainly did not help their case either.

The Spurs hold off the Lakers to break an 18-game losing streak

The Spurs have undeniably been abysmal this season. Although, with a win against the Lakers, they were able to improve their record to 4-20, they are still rooted in the bottom spot. However, a victory against one of the strongest teams in the West might have uplifted their spirits a little. They were able to snap the franchise-record 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 win on Friday.

Read More: LeBron James Helps Save Victor Wembanyama’s Legacy as Spurs End Haunting Streak to a Handicapped Lakers

Notably, the Lakers were without their three key players –  Anthony Davis (groin), D’Angelo Russell (migraine) and Cam Reddish (knee). The Spurs banked on this situation after coming close to victory during their last meeting on Wednesday. Even on Wednesday, the Spurs made impressive strides, erasing the 20-point deficit. However, their efforts fell short, as the Spurs fell 122-119 to the LeBron-less Lakers.

The Spurs are gearing up to face the New Orleans Pelicans next. It remains to be seen whether they will build on their victory or stumble back to defeat once again.

Watch This Story: LeBron James Set to Lose $269K Alongside Other NBA Cup Champs Upon Return From Vegas