LOS ANGELES -- A nervous energy pulsed through Staples Center during the intracity showdown between the Lakers and Clippers on Wednesday. A somewhat hobbled LeBron James appeared tentative for the Lakers in the opening half, while the Clippers threw the ball around the gym with impunity. As the game tightened after halftime, the intensity heightened with each possession, many of them frenetic fire drills.
The lights always shine brighter on Christmas, but this matchup felt more May than December -- like Game 1 of a high-stakes playoff series featuring two elite teams feeling each other out for the long haul.