LOS ANGELES — Before LeBron James could reach the rim Thursday, he left the ball low enough for Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson to cut off his drive and swipe the ball out of bounds, the threat ended.
As Jackson sauntered during the ensuing break in play, his chin up defiantly and jaw clenched, James did a double-take at the apparent temerity, his next-play focus transforming into disapproval. But there was little he could say. The Clippers led by 25 and the yawning gap between these franchises’ seasons had never been more apparent.
After winning the first three games of this series between Crypto.com Arena co-tenants by a combined eight points, the Clippers left no doubt during a 132-111 victory that extended their winning streak to five, pushed the Lakers’ losing streak to four — and extended their misery.
