Los Angeles @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 22, 2019 ) L.A. Lakers 102, L.A. Clippers 112

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are expected to try and play when the Los Angeles Lakers clash with the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day at the Staples Center. James is dealing with a thoracic muscle strain in his back while Davis has an injured right knee as the Lakers attempt to halt a season-worst three-game slide.

James missed his first game of the season on Sunday due to the injury and he and Davis are listed as questionable for the second version of the Los Angeles showdown. The Clippers prevailed 112-102 on Oct. 22, the opening night of the season, despite forward Paul George being sidelined after offseason surgeries on both shoulders. With George and Kawhi Leonard now on the Clippers, the contest is one of the most anticipated games thus far this season. "It's a little bit like the playoffs," Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters. "You want to be jacked up. But sometimes the best mental approach to the playoffs is managing your adrenaline and managing the edge. But let's start with the edge first. Bring the juice first. If we're overboard with it, we can always pull back. But you don't want to be it the other way around."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, ESPN

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (22-10): George is thrilled to be playing in front of his family on Christmas Day and understands all the hype surrounding the contest. "It is going to be crazy," George told ESPN. "Playing on Christmas is one of the biggest things but then the matchup that is going to be on that floor. Two top 10 players on each side, both teams with loaded benches. I think as a competitor, you want to play against the best. It will make for a great show." Leonard (knee) sat out Sunday's game against Oklahoma City and should be well-rested for the Lakers.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (24-6): James and Davis participated in a walk-through on Tuesday and that at least left no possibility for a setback after both players sat out Monday's practice. James has been ailing for a week but clearly wants to play on the Christmas Day stage while Davis rates as having the better chance of playing between the two. Forward Kyle Kuzma will see increased playing time after scoring 16 points in 21 minutes against Denver on Sunday after missing the previous five games with an ankle injury.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Leonard scored 30 points in his Clippers' debut in the season-opening win over the Lakers.

2. Clippers PG Patrick Beverley (groin) practiced Tuesday and is expected to return after a one-game absence.

3. Lakers backup C Dwight Howard is 18-of-20 shooting over the past five games.

PREDICTION: Clippers 114, Lakers 112