Lakers game is the ‘biggest’ of season

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Clippers hoped their 90-82 victory over the Lakers on April 4 at Staples Center would be a springboard to the postseason.

They haven’t won since.

The Clippers lost to the New Orleans Hornets, 103-100, in overtime on Tuesday night at the Ford Center. If the Western Conference playoffs began today, the Clippers would be on vacation.

The Lakers also haven’t played well down the stretch, going 2-6 in their last eight games. They’ve dropped from sixth to seventh in the conference.

The Clippers and Lakers meet Thursday for the final time in the regular season.

“The Lakers game is our biggest game of the season,” guard Jason Hart said. “We have to be ready to go on Thursday. If we come out lethargic, and they’ve been looking for a win too, that’s not going to be good for us.”

*

Official Jess Kersey lay on the court for several minutes late in the fourth quarter after colliding with Corey Maggette.

Hornets medical personnel observed Kersey, 66, who finished the game.

“I’m a truck,” Maggette said. “I felt bad for him ... he couldn’t get out the way fast enough. Hopefully, he’s OK. He’s an older guy.”

*

Tim Thomas returned to the lineup after sitting out a game and part of another because of a sore wrist. Thomas, who wore a wrist brace, missed seven of 10 shots and scored seven points in 23 minutes.

*

[email protected]