The Los Angeles Clippers would actually be better of missing the playoffs this season. If the Clippers miss the postseason, they will earn a lottery pick. If they qualify, then the Boston Celtics will get their first-round draft pick.

Don't tell that to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who wants his team to make the playoffs regardless of their draft situation, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

You can see where Ballmer is coming from. After all, he owns the team, and more games means more revenue.

But is that really the best idea?

Think about this for a second: Los Angeles is expected to be in the mix for New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis this summer. If the Clippers miss the playoffs, they will have a lottery pick to include in trade discussions for the big man. If they make it, then that's one less asset the Clips will have in a potential Davis deal, and Los Angeles does not have a whole lot of established talent that could interest the Pelicans.

Essentially, Los Angeles needs all of the trade chips it can have.

Or even if the Clippers don't trade for Davis, wouldn't they want to be able to draft another player to put alongside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montrezl Harrell?

Making the postseason really does not make all that much sense for L.A. unless Ballmer merely wants to wring as much money out of the situation as possible, which is entirely plausible.

If the Clippers do qualify for the playoffs, they will merely serve as a sacrificial lamb for one of the upper-echelon teams in the Western Conference in the first round. Is that really worth costing yourselves a lottery pick and a chance at Davis?