The Lakers and Clippers are set to face each other today in a matchup that could significantly impact the Western Conference. With both teams currently holding a matching 41-38 record, the winner of the game will take the number 5 spot in the standings, passing the Golden State Warriors to secure a guaranteed playoff berth. Though both teams have already guaranteed themselves a place in the Play-In Tournament, neither wants to endure it. The loser of this game would remain in the Play-In field, either in 7th or 8th place depending on the outcomes of Wednesday's Pelicans/Grizzlies matchup.

The game could be a chance for the Lakers to continue their upward trajectory, having won six of their previous nine games, while the Clippers have struggled with the absence of Paul George, who is out for a few weeks with a knee injury. The matchup is set to begin at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on ESPN. Following Wednesday's game, the Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz, while the Clippers will take on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns.