Lakers vs. Clippers: Predictions for Both Teams' Next 5 Games

The Los Angeles Lakers sent a message to their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Wednesday night.

That message was received loud and clear, and it read that Los Angeles is still Lakerland despite the surging Clippers looking to take over.

With the win, the Lakers upped their lead in the Pacific Division to 2.5 games. But with 11 regular season games remaining, the Lakers are far from locks to capture the division crown just yet. Anything can happen down the stretch.

Here's a quick look and prediction for how each team will fare in their next five contests.

Los Angeles Lakers

Amid all the drama, the Lakers have put together a four-game win streak and have won seven of their past 10. Kobe Bryant is shooting the ball well, and if they get inspired efforts from Andrew Bynum like they got on Wednesday, the Lakers will be tough to beat.

vs. Houston (win): The teams have split both meetings so far on the season, with the home team winning each time. The Lakers make it five in a row with a win over the Rockets.

at Phoenix (win): Everyone knows how much Kobe loves playing against the Suns, and he will light them up again.

at New Orleans (win): The Hornets may not be good, but they compete. It won't be a blowout, but the Lakers will win their seventh consecutive game.

at San Antonio (loss): These two teams will be meeting for the first time this season, but I don't like the matchup for the Lakers. The Spurs are 21-4 at home, while the Lakers are still only 12-15 on the road. Winning streak comes to an end.

vs. Denver (loss): Both teams have a day off, and the Lakers don't lose at home very often, but with Denver in a fight to make the playoffs, the Lakers can expect their best effort. Denver squeaks out a close one.

Los Angeles Clippers

The loss to the Lakers broke a six-game win streak, but things could get tough upcoming for the Clippers, as four of their next five games are on the road and the Clippers are only a 12-13 team away from the Staples Center on the season.

at Sacramento (loss): This will turn out to be a tough game for the Clippers, as the Kings have some talent, but have had trouble figuring how to win games. They will steal one at home.

vs. Sacramento (win): Blake Griffin and company will have a little more luck in the second half of a home-and-home against the Kings.

at Memphis (loss): This Grizzlies team is very good and could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup. These two teams could be fighting for home-court advantage in the first round. I like the Grizzlies at home.

at Oklahoma City (loss): Kevin Durant and company are 23-5 at home. Their success will continue.

at Minnesota (loss): This is the second of two road games in two days for the Clippers. Expect something big from Kevin Love as the Timberwolves get one at home.

In the upcoming week, things look much tougher for the Clippers, and if things go according to plan, the Lakers can start to breathe a little easier, as they could pick up an additional couple games over the Clippers for the division lead.