NBA, LA Clippers vs LA Lakers 2019-20: Match preview and team news

Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are set to lock horns on opening day of NBA 2019/20 season, which is set to take ir rivalry to ar level. Clippers, who have made a major acquisition in Kawhi Leonard, are  early title favourites heading into new season. On or hand,  LeBron James-led Lakers are mselves looking for a major statement after missing out on playoffs last season. We look at team news, match preview ahead of game.

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Team news and Pre-season form: Clippers vs Lakers

LA Clippers:

pre-season saw Clippers lose thrice as coach Doc Rivers continued to tinker with his starting five.

Clippers added Kawhi Leonard to ir roster from last season's champions Toronto Raptors and Paul George into ir squad. Suddenly, y have become team to beat this season.  team also extended Patrick Beverley’s contract in a solid decision by both sides. Also, an underrated acquisition made by Clippers saw Maurice Harkless join side to add more to ir bench strength.

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Key arrivals: Paul George (trade), Kawhi Leonard (free nt), Maurice Harkless (trade), Patrick Patterson (free nt), Mfiondu Kabengele (draft)

Key departures: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Garrett Temple, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari

Amir Coffey, Rodney McGruder and Paul George are currently out with injuries for Clippers.

LA Lakers

Lakers had a mixed pre-season, suffering three losses while winning two. James, who was majorly distracted due to ongoing rift between NBA and China, would be hoping to move past scenario and focus on upcoming season.

Frank Vogel replaced Walton as a coach and brings experience that latter lacked.  Lakers addressed ir shooting needs, signing Danny Green and Jared Dudley. Also, new signing Anthony Davis has unique skills to complement LeBron James and restore winning atmosphere at Staples Center

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Key arrivals: Anthony Davis (trade), DeMarcus Cousins (free ncy), Avery Bradley (free ncy), Danny Green (free ncy), Jared Dudley (free ncy), Dwight Howard (free ncy), Frank Vogel (coach)

Key departures: Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Luke Walton, Magic Johnson

DeMarcus Cousins is out for season as he is suffering from a knee injury. He is joined by Alex Caruso and Dwight Howard on treatment table. Kyle Kuzma is also out for opener with a foot injury.

STARTING 5: 

LA Clippers

Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, JaMychal Green, Ivica Zubac 

Key Reserves

Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Landry Shamet 

LA Lakers

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma 

Key Reserves

Dwight Howard, Danny Green, Jared Dudley 

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When and where to watch

When: October 23, 2019, 8:00 AM IST

Where: SONY SIX, SONY LIV