The Los Angeles Lakers were the story of the summer until the Los Angeles Clippers swooped in and stole the show, landing both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the same night the weekend after Independence Day.

The additions of Leonard and George instantly made the Clippers title contenders, and the fact that they also brought back Patrick Beverley was also a huge move.

Los Angeles had to part with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari to make its big moves, but I would swap Gilgeous-Alexander and Gallinari with Leonard and George any day.

So, here are the three biggest takeaways from the Clippers' offseason:

3. Kawhi Wanted Them All Along

Leonard tried everything to bring a second star with him to join the Clippers. He recruited Kevin Durant. He recruited Kyrie Irving. He probably talked to other players, too.

While the Clips weren't able to land Durant or Irving, they were able to swing a last-minute trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for George, which completely convinced Leonard to sign with the club.

At the time, many felt that Leonard would actually sign with the Lakers, but it's looking more and more like that was never really a desirable option for Leonard.

It seems clear that Kawhi did not want to play second fiddle (or possibly even third fiddle) to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and that lines up with what we heard last summer when the chatter was that James' decision to join the Lakers would probably push Leonard to the Clippers.

And that's exactly what happened.

2. Jerry West is the Best Recruiter Ever

Shaquille O'Neal. Kevin Durant. Kawhi Leonard.

Those are three players that Jerry West has now successfully recruited in free agency throughout his career as an executive, and you will not find a more sparkling resume as far as that is concerned.

West is a genius in the front office and has delivered the goods wherever he has gone. If the Clippers go on to win a title, West will then have helped lead three different franchises to championships as an executive.

That is absolutely incredible. I don't what West does to be so phenomenal at recruiting, but he is the best ever at it.

1. The Clippers are Clear Title Favorites

The Lakers may have LeBron and AD, but the Clippers have the best player in the league in Leonard and another star in George, not to mention a bunch of terrific supporting pieces like Beverley, Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams.

Defensively, this Clippers team is going to be a nearly impossible puzzle to solve, as a lineup of Harrell, Leonard, George and Beverley may very well be one of the best defensive units we have seen in years.

Imagine being a wing and having to deal with both Leonard and George, not to mention Beverley. That is insane.

And offensively? Leonard is the clear No. 1 and George is the No. 2, a truly dynamic duo that will strike fear in the hearts of every defense around the league. The Clips also have a ton of perimeter shooting to boot.

Make no mistake about it: the Clippers are the title favorites heading into the 2019-20 campaign.