Clippers center Chris Kaman offered an interesting observation when asked if the Lakers' depth made them more daunting than their recent championship-caliber renditions.
"Shaq and Kobe, that's been the most lethal combo that's been in the league for a long time," he said. "They have good players now, but I think with Shaq in his prime, he was one of the most dominant in the league ever. So I don't think it's that good, but they're good. They have the potential of doing it again, making the Finals again."
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, for his part, has taken plenty of whacks at the Clippers in years past, picking on their annual presence in the NBA draft lottery and their (alleged) second-rate status in Staples Center, including an observation two years ago that "Don Sterling has been eating off of Dr. [Jerry] Buss' plate for years."
Jackson, however, has been suspiciously mum on the Clippers since a 119-82 Lakers victory in March, the third-largest margin of victory in the teams' head-to-head history. (It was originally the second-largest margin of victory, and then last week happened.)
Jackson made a wisecrack after an exhibition game last month that Fresno would be a nice place for the Clippers to play, but he was back to toeing the company line after Tuesday's practice.
"I expect them to play with renewed vigor [tonight] because they're looking for that first win," said Jackson, who is 26-7 against the Clippers while coaching the Lakers. "This team has some talent."
The Clippers will have some more players than last week, with Marcus Camby expected to play in a second consecutive game after sitting out the first two because of a bruised heel. Davis will also play despite nagging finger and hip injuries.
Will it be enough for the Clippers to beat the Lakers? More rhetorically, will the Lakers ever lose again, to anybody?
"I hope I know one they're going to lose," Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said, smiling. "I hope they lose one [tonight]."
Times staff writer Lisa Dillman contributed to this report.
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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
