Paul George's Introduction to Lakers-Clippers Rivalry Comes at Critical Time

Is it fair to say that the Los Angeles Clippers haven't been as good as advertised through their first 32 games of the season? Perhaps that opinion has something to do with the Lakers' new-look roster surprisingly sitting atop the Western Conference at 24-6.

Either way, NBA fans will be treated to their first true taste of the LA rivalry on Christmas night.

While all eyes will be on LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard, we're here to tell you that this is a pivotal clash for Paul George.

Reporting with @McTen: Stars are aligned for Lakers-Clippers on Christmas Day. Lakers conducted impromptu practice this morning and LeBron James (groin) and Anthony Davis (knee) are expected to play vs. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard at 8 PM ET on ABC.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 24, 2019

George, of course, was still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery when the two teams met in the season-opener. Fast forward to Dec.25, and the Lakers have a three-game edge over PG's Clippers in the West.

The Clips have dropped two of their last three, and both of those L's came in games during which they held a double-digit lead. A loss to the Lakers, who are banged up, with the entire nation watching would certainly prompt fans to start asking questions.

Clippers-Lakers on Christmas Day - Paul George sits down to explain just how crazy he expects this game to get, plus why playing at home in front of his family this holiday means more than you may even know. pic.twitter.com/DDKa5kEqee
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 24, 2019

We're not saying that George hasn't been performing well this season. The man is averaging 24.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 44.5 percent from the floor and 40.1 percent from distance thus far.

However, Clippers fans will be watching intently to see if he rises to the occasion in the team's biggest game to date.

The pressure will be on George to impress.