The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/22/23 HB:

Oh, what a heartbreaking loss for our Lakers! In a valiant effort, LeBron James gave it his all, putting on a historic performance with the most points in a playoff half of his illustrious career. But it was not enough to stop the Denver Nuggets and their remarkable star, Nikola Jokic, from making history themselves.

The Nuggets completed their first-ever playoff sweep in franchise history, securing a 113-111 victory over the Lakers in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena. Jokic, who was named the Magic Johnson Western Conference finals MVP, delivered yet another triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. This marked his NBA playoff-record eighth triple-double of the postseason, a truly remarkable feat.

For the Nuggets, this journey to the NBA Finals has been a long time coming. It took them 46 seasons to reach this point, the most seasons before a Finals appearance in NBA history. Their perseverance and resilience finally paid off.

LeBron James, determined to avoid a sweep, unleashed his full arsenal, scoring 40 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. At 38 years old, he became the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a playoff game, a testament to his greatness.

The Lakers started strong, building a commanding lead and showing no signs of surrender. But the resilient Nuggets clawed their way back, going on a remarkable run to take the lead in the third quarter. Both teams battled fiercely in the final minutes, exchanging blows on the court.

With the game tied at 111, Jokic made a crucial driving layup to break the deadlock with only 51 seconds remaining. The Lakers had one last chance to tie or take the lead, but Aaron Gordon’s block on LeBron’s attempt sealed the fate of our Los Angeles Lakers.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Lakers fans. We fought hard, but the Nuggets proved to be an insurmountable challenge. Nevertheless, let’s applaud the Lakers for their resilience throughout the season and extend our congratulations to the Denver Nuggets on their historic achievement.

The Lakers will regroup and come back stronger. They have a rich legacy, and the journey to success is often paved with setbacks. We’ll be eagerly awaiting the next season, knowing that our Lakers will be ready to reclaim their glory on the court.

And with that, it’s over. Looking back at the crosstown rivalry, even making it to the playoffs this year was quite, as the kids call it, “extra.” Outlasting the outstanding Clippers and making it into the third round against a monster of a Nuggets team was quite the accomplishment.

Keep checking in at LA Crosstown Rivals for your Los Angeles pro sports standings and scores. We still have pro baseball just winding up and our professional soccer teams are set for a big match-up tomorrow.

Who knows what next year brings. It’s been my pleasure bringing you the games, Laker fans, and I look forward to doing it again next year. For now, this is “Hick” Burns, signing off.

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/20/23 HB:

It was a tough night for me, Hick Burns, and all Lakers fans tonight. Thank you for coming to LA Xtown Rivals for the recap of tonight’s game.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Denver Nuggets continue to make their mark in these Western Conference finals, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers searching for answers. Jamal Murray’s scoring prowess was on full display once again, dropping an impressive 37 points, while Nikola Jokic commanded the court with 24 points and eight assists. The Nuggets find themselves in uncharted territory, just one step away from the NBA Finals after 47 years in the league.

Despite the Lakers’ best efforts, the Nuggets extinguished their nine-game home winning streak with a resolute 13-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Lakers, known for their fighting spirit, now face an insurmountable 3-0 deficit. No team in NBA history has ever overcome such odds. Game 4 looms large, presenting the Lakers with a last-ditch opportunity to salvage their championship aspirations.

Anthony Davis displayed his prowess with 28 points and 18 rebounds, leading the charge for the Lakers. LeBron James, battling through injuries, contributed 23 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds, finally finding his rhythm from beyond the arc. Austin Reaves provided a spark with 23 points and seven rebounds, but the Lakers lacked the offensive firepower needed to overcome the Nuggets’ dominance. Rui Hachimura was the only other Laker to reach double figures with 13 points.

While Jokic’s triple-double streak came to an end, Murray proved to be an unstoppable force in the early stages of the game. He erupted for 17 points in a dynamic first quarter and amassed an impressive 30 points by halftime. Bruce Brown’s clutch 3-pointer and Jokic’s timely shot from downtown sealed the Nuggets’ victory, leaving the Lakers reeling.

The Crypto.com Arena was electric, with the passionate Lakers fans filling the arena. However, their fervor wasn’t enough to rally the Lakers, who desperately sought to claw their way back into the series. Despite LeBron James battling through injuries, the Nuggets remained undeterred. Murray, in particular, showed no signs of cooling down, sinking shots with ease while Jokic struggled to find his rhythm.

The Nuggets have taken control of this series with their impressive display of offensive firepower. The Lakers’ hopes of mounting a comeback are rapidly fading, their prolonged surge since the trade deadline running out of steam against this formidable Nuggets squad. As the series shifts to Game 4, the Lakers find themselves on the precipice of elimination, while the Nuggets stand on the cusp of history.

D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers’ key acquisition in the trade deadline, continues to struggle, tallying just three points on a challenging 1-of-8 shooting night. He has mustered only 21 points in this three-game series, leaving the Lakers longing for his much-needed offensive contribution.

The Lakers must now summon every ounce of resilience as they face a daunting task. This is a true test of greatness for the 38 year old LeBron James. To bring his team back from 0-3 would truly silence the haters and those who downplay his name in the GOAT discussion. The Nuggets, however, have shown no signs of letting up, ready to make their mark in the annals of NBA history. As the drama continues to unfold, the Lakers must find a way to ignite their championship spirit and stave off elimination in their quest for the title.

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/12/23 HB:

Oh, what a night it was for the Lakers faithful! The Los Angeles Lakers, the mighty purple and gold, have done the unthinkable. From a dismal 2-10 start to the regular season, they have risen like a phoenix to eliminate the defending champions and secure their spot in the Western Conference finals.

The driving force behind this remarkable transformation? None other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis. These two superstars, who won a championship together just three years ago, showcased their brilliance once again. James put up 30 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Davis dominated the glass with a staggering 20 rebounds to go along with his 17 points.

In a resounding victory at home, the Lakers never trailed, dismantling the Golden State Warriors in a 122-101 triumph. Austin Reaves also had his shining moment, dropping 23 points and dazzling the crowd with a buzzer-beating 54-footer from midcourt.

With this incredible win, the Lakers have set up a showdown with Nikola Jokic and the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. It’s a rematch of last year’s conference finals, where the Lakers emerged victorious in five games.

The Lakers’ dominance at home continues, extending their unbeaten streak to 7-0 since the regular season concluded. But their triumph over the Warriors holds even greater significance, as it halted Golden State’s historic run of 28 consecutive playoff series with at least one road victory.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry fought valiantly, scoring 32 points, but his efforts were not enough to carry his team. Klay Thompson struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 3-of-19, while the rest of the Warriors’ starters failed to reach double figures.

The Lakers’ victory was a testament to their defensive prowess and overall team effort. Even with Dennis Schröder’s ridiculous ejection in the third quarter, the Lakers weathered the storm and kept the Warriors at bay.

Now, the Lakers and their faithful fans can revel in this monumental triumph. LeBron James, still a force to be reckoned with, guided his team to victory with a vintage performance. As the Lakers continue their playoff journey, the memories of this night will be etched in the annals of Lakers lore.

Next up, it’s Denver and the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. The Lakers’ resiliency and newfound chemistry have brought them this far. With their sights set on another NBA Finals appearance, the Lakers are determined to overcome any obstacle in their path.

Oh, what a joyous night it was for Lakers fans, witnessing their team rise from the ashes and reach greater heights. The journey continues, and the Lakers faithful are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this exhilarating postseason run. Showtime is back, and the Lakers are ready to make their mark once again!

And that’s the way it was on a historic night in Los Angeles. Thanks for coming to LA Crosstown Rivals, LA Sports Fans. This is Hick Burns signing off, reminding you that the Lakers are a force to be reckoned with.

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/10/23 HB:

What a resilient performance by the Golden State Warriors to stave off elimination and keep their championship hopes alive. Draymond Green, the heart and soul of this team, praised the defensive energy displayed against LeBron James and emphasized the need to replicate that urgency in Los Angeles.

Led by Stephen Curry’s 27 points and eight assists, along with Andrew Wiggins’ impressive 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, the Warriors secured a 121-106 victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. This core group of champions has rallied before on the big postseason stage, demonstrating their resilience by coming back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Sacramento in the first round.

The Lakers, despite LeBron James’ 25 points and nine rebounds and Davis’ 23 points and nine rebounds, faced a setback when Davis suffered a head injury late in the game. Davis grimaced in pain before heading to the locker room, and his status for Game 6 remains uncertain. Coach Darvin Ham provided some reassurance, mentioning that Davis seemed to be doing well, but no further details were given about his evaluation.

The Warriors’ strong defensive effort paved the way for better offensive opportunities, precisely as Coach Steve Kerr had challenged them to do. Green’s double-double performance of 20 points and 10 rebounds exemplified their determination. They held the Lakers to single digits after Austin Reaves’ three-pointer cut the lead to 104-95, and Curry responded with five consecutive points, ultimately securing the win.

Now, the series returns to Los Angeles, where the Lakers have been unbeatable, boasting a 5-0 home record this postseason and eight consecutive home victories since March. Golden State aims to overcome a 3-1 series deficit for only the second time in franchise history and force a Game 7 back at Chase Center.

Curry’s halftime buzzer-beating three-pointer and the Warriors’ 70 first-half points showcased their offensive firepower. Defensively, they alternated between Green and Wiggins guarding James, while also focusing on disrupting Davis’ rhythm.

Despite Curry’s 12-for-24 shooting night, with just 3 of 11 from beyond the arc, he remains confident in the team’s ability to stage a comeback. The Warriors are determined to maintain the mindset of fighting until the very end.

The Warriors made some lineup adjustments, sticking with Gary Payton II and bringing Jordan Poole off the bench. Payton’s 13 points, including a crucial three-point play, along with Poole’s three-pointer, provided valuable contributions.

As for the Lakers, they struggled on the boards, were turnover-prone, and couldn’t capitalize on the Warriors’ mistakes. However, it’s worth noting that LeBron James has never squandered a 3-1 playoff series lead, and the Lakers have been formidable since March.

The stage is set for an intense Game 6, with Klay Thompson eager to rebound from his recent struggles. Despite a challenging night, Thompson has a history of delivering spectacular performances in Game 6 situations, and he now has an opportunity to shine in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned, Lakers fans, as the series continues to unfold in this captivating battle between two powerhouse teams. And thank you for stopping by LA Xtown Rivals, your source for all of LA’s pro sports standings and scores. This is Hick Burns signing off – until Game 6!

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/8/23 HB:

Lakers fans, oh, what a night it was at Crypto.com Arena! Thank you for coming to LA Crosstown Rivals for all your LA pro sports news.

Lonnie Walker, the unsung hero of the Los Angeles Lakers, rose from the depths of the bench to deliver a fourth-quarter performance that left the Golden State Warriors stunned. With his inextinguishable confidence and a scoring mentality, Walker outshone the great Stephen Curry when it mattered most, pushing the Lakers to the brink of a remarkable trip to the Western Conference finals.

Walker, with a smile on his face, described it as the greatest feeling imaginable. As a kid, this was the stuff he dreamed of. In a phenomenal fourth quarter, he poured in all of his 15 points, igniting the Lakers’ late rally. LeBron James contributed 27 points, and Anthony Davis had a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds. The seventh-seeded Lakers, riding an eight-game home winning streak, are now just one victory away from eliminating the defending champions.

With Curry notching his third career postseason triple-double, the Warriors seemed poised to steal the victory. However, it was Walker who stole the spotlight, going 6 for 9 in the fourth quarter, including a clutch three-pointer to slash the Warriors’ lead. The comeback was on, and Walker’s emergence in this series has left everyone amazed, except for Walker and his teammates. He exudes confidence and knows what he’s capable of, all thanks to his unwavering dedication and countless hours spent honing his skills.

Walker’s go-ahead jumper with 1:53 left in the game set the stage for a thrilling finish. Curry battled back with a layup to trim the Lakers’ lead to one point, but he faltered on the ensuing possessions, missing crucial shots. Walker calmly sank two free throws with 15 seconds remaining, and the Lakers sealed the deal with a defensive stop.

As LeBron James acknowledged, the Lakers couldn’t have won this game without Lonnie Walker. His impact was seismic, and his presence has injected new life into the Lakers’ rotation. And now, with a 3-1 series lead, the Lakers look ahead to Game 5 in San Francisco, where they aim to close out the series and secure their spot in the Western Conference finals.

The Warriors, led by Curry’s triple-double brilliance, find themselves in a 3-1 deficit. They must summon all their strength to overcome this challenge, just as they did in the 2016 Western Conference finals. Coach Steve Kerr remains positive, believing that a win at home will shift the momentum in their favor.

Indeed, it was a night of grit and timely contributions. Lonnie Walker, the beautiful kid who persevered despite falling out of the rotation, reminded us that with the right mindset, success follows. The Lakers demonstrated resilience, and their perfect free-throw shooting and Austin Reaves’ 21 points added to the victory.

But let’s not forget, Lakers fans, that this triumph was made possible by Lonnie Walker’s heroic performance. As we prepare for Game 5, let’s rally behind our Lakers and continue to witness the incredible journey unfold.

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/6/23 HB:

Ladies and gentlemen, the Lakers put on a show last night at their home court. The atmosphere was buzzing with uncertainty as LeBron James passed the ball in the first quarter, not taking a single shot, breaking his own record of 275 playoff appearances. But worry not, Lakers faithful, for they were merely warming up their engines.

Led by the dominant Anthony Davis, who racked up 25 points and 13 rebounds, and a resolute LeBron James, finishing with 21 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, the Lakers sent a resounding message to the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors. D’Angelo Russell joined the party, draining five 3-pointers on his way to 21 points. The seventh-seeded Lakers displayed their defensive prowess, holding the Warriors at bay with an impenetrable wall.

With a sensational display in the middle quarters, the Lakers outscored their opponents by a staggering 63-38, transforming Game 3 into a one-sided affair. And it was defense that propelled them to this commanding victory. As James said, “We’re one of the best defensive teams in the league, if not the best.” The Lakers recognized the challenge posed by the Warriors and rose to the occasion on every single possession.

James, in a peculiar start, opted not to force the issue and allowed the game to come to him. But when the Lakers needed him most, he unleashed his brilliance, defying his age with graceful moves, including a spin move and a crowd-pleasing block. The Lakers’ defensive intensity and James’ timely contributions proved too much for the Warriors to handle.

On the other side, Stephen Curry fought valiantly with 23 points, and Andrew Wiggins added 16, but the Warriors faltered as a unit. They succumbed to turnovers and couldn’t find their rhythm from beyond the arc, making only 10 of their 44 attempts. The Lakers’ size and athleticism advantage sealed the fate of the game.

Now, with a 2-1 lead in the series, the Lakers have firmly grasped the reins. Game 4 awaits on Monday night, and the Lakers faithful are hungry for more. The challenge for the Warriors is clear: they must respond, regroup, and find their rhythm to keep this series alive.

So, Lakers fans, hold your heads high. The Lakers demonstrated their defensive prowess, dominated the game, and left no doubt about their intentions. Let’s keep the momentum going as we look forward to the next battle at Crypto.com Arena. It’s a fight on, Lakers Nation!

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/5/23 HB:

Another memorable night in the NBA playoffs as the Golden State Warriors bounced back with an impressive victory over our Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors displayed their shooting prowess, led by the incredible performance of Klay Thompson. With 30 points and eight three-pointers, Thompson put on a show for the fans and seized the opportunity to shine against his father’s former team.

Stephen Curry also played a significant role in the Warriors’ success, contributing 20 points and 12 assists. The Splash Brothers were in full force, showcasing their remarkable shooting skills and providing a tremendous offensive boost. Together, they helped Golden State set a new NBA record for three-pointers made in the first two games of a playoff series.

Coach Steve Kerr made some strategic adjustments, starting JaMychal Green to provide more scoring options and a physical presence against Anthony Davis in the paint. The move paid off as the Warriors found success on both ends of the court, limiting Davis while still allowing LeBron James to score 23 points.

Defensively, the Warriors displayed a renewed intensity and aggressiveness. They dominated the fast-break points and points in the paint, outscoring the Lakers by a significant margin. JaMychal Green stepped up with a strong performance, contributing 15 points, and Draymond Green made his presence felt with an all-around effort of 11 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.

With the series now tied at one game apiece, the action will shift to Los Angeles for Game 3. The Lakers will look to regroup and make adjustments to regain control of the series. LeBron James will undoubtedly be a key factor in their comeback efforts.

It’s important to note that the Lakers started the game with a strong first quarter, with James leading the charge. However, they couldn’t sustain their momentum as the Warriors’ shooting barrage overwhelmed them.

As the series continues, both teams will be eager to gain an advantage and showcase their championship aspirations. The intensity and competitiveness are sure to escalate, making for an exciting matchup in the upcoming games.

Basketball fans are in for a treat as these talented teams battle it out on the court. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments and captivating performances in this highly anticipated series.

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

5/3/23 HB:

Good evening and welcome to LA Crosstown Rivals, your source for LA pro sports standings and scores. I’m Hick Burns, and this is what’s going down.

Ladies and gentlemen, what a game we witnessed tonight between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors! This was a matchup for the ages, with LeBron James and Stephen Curry once again facing off in the postseason. But this time, LeBron had a different supporting cast to rely on.

Anthony Davis was an absolute force, dominating the game from start to finish. He put up an impressive stat line with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocked shots. He controlled the paint and made life difficult for the Warriors inside. And let’s not forget Dennis Schröder, who had the energy and determination to chase Curry all over the court. D’Angelo Russell also came up clutch, hitting a big shot with a hand in his face.

That’s the beauty of these new-look Lakers. They take the pressure off LeBron James, the game’s all-time scoring leader. He believes in his teammates and trusts them to deliver. Even with the defending champions on a 14-0 run and the home crowd rocking, the Lakers showed resilience and came out on top.

It was a back-and-forth battle throughout the game, with both teams trading blows. Curry, the sharpshooting maestro, dropped 27 points, while Klay Thompson added 25. Kevon Looney had a standout performance with a career-high 23 rebounds, proving to be a force on the boards.

But in the end, it was the Lakers who held off the Warriors’ late rally. Jordan Poole had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer in the closing seconds but missed. The Lakers sealed the victory, and their fans could be heard chanting “Let’s go Lakers!” at Chase Center.

Now, the defending champions will look to even the series in Game 2 on their home floor. The Lakers have shown that they are a different team compared to the start of the season. They have momentum on their side, and LeBron James believes in their ability to compete at the highest level.

Folks, we are in for an exciting series between these two basketball powerhouses. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the battle continues. Buckle up and get ready for more thrilling playoff action!

Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Clippers, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Larry Rolpher

4/25/23 LR:

Well, hello there. This is Larry Rolpher, and it is with heavy heart that I tell you about an incredible game between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers. Devin Booker put on a show, scoring 47 points, with 25 of them coming in the third quarter alone. The Suns defeated the Clippers 136-130 to win the Western Conference first-round playoff series in just five games.

Our Clippers didn’t give up easily, though, and nearly came back from a 20-point deficit early in the fourth quarter. They had multiple chances to tie the game in the final minutes, but they couldn’t quite convert. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant had an impressive performance, scoring 31 points, and Deandre Ayton added 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Suns.

But the real star of the game was Devin Booker. He shot an impressive 19 of 27 from the field, including ten of eleven shots during the Suns’ 50-point outburst in the third quarter. The flustered Clippers had no answer for Booker’s stellar shot making, and they couldn’t keep up until it was too late.

With another tough night for Russell Westbrook, who scored only 14 points on 3 of 18 shooting, the Suns prevailed and will now face off against the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs. Game 1 is set for this Saturday in Denver.

So there you have it, folks. An incredible performance by the Phoenix Suns, led by the unstoppable Devin Booker, and a valiant effort by the Los Angeles Clippers, who just couldn’t quite close the gap. Larry Rolpher signing off for 2023. It’s now up to my colleague Hick over with the Lakers to bring home the trophy for LA. I’ll see you next season.

Los Angeles Basketball, The State of the LA Basketball Rivalry / By Harold "Hick" Burns

4/24/23 HB:

Well, heeere we go, folks! The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of the second round after a gritty win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. LeBron James showed us all why he’s the G.O.A.T, baby! He tied the game with a layup and then scored four of his 22 points in overtime to help the Lakers surge to a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. And what a game it was, folks! James, now 38, snagged his career playoff-high 20 rebounds, making for his first 20-20 game in his 20-year career. That’s the answer Dillon Brooks begged for. Wow, the King’s still got it, baby!

The Lakers had a good team effort, with Austin Reaves scoring 23 points and Anthony Davis adding 12, including five in overtime. And what can we say about LeBron James, baby? He’s a man on a mission, and his play made the Grizzlies look foolish. The Lakers were down seven with five minutes left in regulation, but they rallied back to take the win in overtime.

Desmond Bane scored 36 points for the Grizzlies and hit a tie-breaking layup with 6.7 seconds left in regulation, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers. Ja Morant scored 19 points with his injured right hand, but Anthony Davis, who looked sluggish all night, came up big blocking Morant’s jumper at the regulation buzzer. The Grizzlies missed six of their first eight shots in overtime while committing two key turnovers.

The Lakers are now just one win away from another playoff series victory, folks! Game 5 is Wednesday night in Memphis, and the Grizzlies will have to rally from a 3-1 series deficit and win a Game 7 for the first time in franchise history to advance. But you know what they say, folks: it ain’t over till it’s over!