PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Lakers enter this matchup with elite efficiency at the free throw line, ranking first with an 83.2% clip, while also leading the league in post-up shot frequency and maintaining a top-five free throw rate. Coming off a hard-fought 106-103 victory against their city rivals just days ago, the Lakers have compiled 17 wins from their last 21 games since mid-January, showcasing resilience despite dealing with a couple of injury concerns. Star duo Luka Doncic and LeBron James accounted for 55% of the team's scoring in that recent contest, with Doncic recording 31 points on his first Los Angeles derby appearance. The purple and gold have opened up a five-win advantage over the Golden State Warriors for playoff positioning and sit just two games back of the Denver Nuggets with a game in hand. The visiting Clippers, meanwhile, boast the league's most efficient free throw shooting at 83.2% and rank atop the league in post-up frequency, though they struggle with a 26th-ranked turnover rate and rank 28th in attacking the rim. After beginning the restart on a three-game winning streak, the Clippers have seen their momentum derailed by consecutive defeats to Eastern Conference opponents, though they salvaged a win over Chicago before falling to the Lakers. Four of their five starting guards managed double figures in their last outing, while defensive specialist Derrick Jones Jr. posted a team-leading plus-19 despite limited offensive contributions. Sitting sixth in the Western Conference standings with a 32-27 record, the Clippers face increasing pressure as three teams directly behind them also own 32 wins, making their return to full health with Kawhi Leonard crucial for the stretch run.