The Battle for Los Angeles will be one of the most fascinating storylines in the NBA this season. With Anthony Davis, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard all making their way to Hollywood, both teams have championship aspirations.
But while LeBron and the Lakers may be reenergized by the arrival of Davis, most executives around the league still believe the Clippers are the superior team in Los Angeles, per Ethan Strauss of The Athletic:
How big is the gap between the Clippers and the Lakers?
Everyone agrees that it exists, but to varying degrees. In league circles, Lakers skepticism has burbled about for some time, before and after Anthony Davis awkwardly made his way to Los Angeles. Questions of fit and chemistry persist, and many are noting just how many games LeBron James has played up to this point. Like the Warriors, the Lakers are also lacking in perimeter defense, in a league where it seems to matter more than ever. Much as you would expect some “It’s LeBron” faith, that faith appears to be wavering after the last disastrous season. Even flanked with Davis, no one I spoke with believes LeBron and the Lakers are better than the upstart Clips.
Not that the Clippers are without their questions. As executives on these teams talk themselves into having a shot, they’re talking themselves into the Clips’ vulnerabilities. Shoulder injuries are unpredictable and George will be out for a lengthy stretch. Given that Kawhi Leonard already only plays so many games, the Clippers might struggle to keep pace in the standings. As one executive put it re: the Los Angeles gap, “There is a big gap in likelihood of winning the title. Not sure about reg season wins.”
While the Lakers face questions about their defense and depth in the frontcourt following the loss of DeMarcus Cousins, the Clippers could have arguably the best defensive rotation in the league when both Leonard and George are healthy.
As Strauss alludes to, however, George labored at the end of the year due to his shoulder issues, and load management will again be something to watch, particularly in Leonard's case.
Regardless, the star power in Los Angeles makes this new rivalry the marquee matchup in the NBA next season.
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