The Battle for Los Angeles has been a story within the NBA for the last two seasons.
Once Kawhi Leonard and Paul George decided to head to the Los Angeles Clippers, things became intense.
The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the greatest players to ever live in LeBron James.
Granted, the Lakers were going through a tough stretch, but it was still a Lakers town.
The Clippers had their chance with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, but failed to even reach the Western Conference Finals.
These two teams were never great at the same time.
The Clippers finally had their run, but that was during the Lakers’ rebuilding stage.
However, the Lakers got Anthony Davis to pair with James, while the Clippers had Leonard and George.
This was the start of the battle between these two teams that share the same arena.
The Lakers won the title last season, while the Clippers choked a 3-1 series lead in the second round.
However, this season ended differently.
The Lakers were bounced in the first round and the Clippers were two games away from the NBA Finals.
2022 is going to be the third season of this new rivalry, but we are still waiting for them to matchup in the postseason.
Both teams are looking to win it all.
But only one can be the best NBA team in Los Angeles.
They both have a case for the crown, so let’s explore both sides.
The Lakers
James is getting older and Davis is still fighting injuries every season.
However, they are the Lakers and those two players are still great.
Their ability to acquire players is important for their future roster construction.
Dennis Schroder is entering free agency and Kyle Kuzma is most likely going to be moved.
They have already had talks about acquiring some bench help this offseason with the likes of Carmelo Anthony.
Report: The Lakers are “expected” to pursue Carmelo Anthony in free agency, via @massey_evan pic.twitter.com/u8ewHCCDCL
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 22, 2021
The Lakers might need to get some bigger pieces as well.
A sign-and-trade can work with Schroder and attach other players with him to gain a big piece.
Ben Simmons is available, while Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal can be at any given moment.
Having James is a huge advantage to have.
Granted, he is entering his 19th season.
James is still one of the best to ever do it and can lead the Lakers to another championship next season.
The Clippers
Two more wins and the Clippers were going to the Finals.
They were so close.
However, Leonard didn’t play in the series as he was dealing with a knee injury.
2022 should be the season where they finally crack through and win a title.
George was able to play great basketball in the absence of Leonard.
Paul George in the playoffs
Minutes: 1st
Points: 1st
Free Throws: 1st
Rebounds: 3rd
3-Pointers: 3rd
Field Goals: 3rd
Assists: 5th
Steals: 6thKawhi went down and PG led the Clippers to their first WCF and is averaging 29/11/6 since. That Pandemic P talk is dead, give it a rest. pic.twitter.com/odg6ihX8hR
— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) June 27, 2021
He has exorcised his demons and is ready to contribute even more next season.
A healthy Leonard with a new version of George can lead to a championship.
There is one problem and that is Leonard’s pending free agency.
Teams are already lining up to snatch him away from the Clippers.
The Dallas #Mavericks and the Miami #Heat are reportedly both planning to make a "hard push" to acquire Clippers' superstar Kawhi Leonard.
(via @KevinOConnorNBA) pic.twitter.com/NBiDSvvwmV
— NBA Analysis Network (@HoopAnalysisNet) July 1, 2021
The Clippers need to be able to retain him and build off of an incredible run to claim the best team title of LA.
The Lakers made a huge mistake when they failed to keep LaVel and Dwight. Again, too much success, got greedy!!! This time, please get some shooters and players that can play some defense!
Trade Kuz and the German point guard. But don’t trade THT. Within limits, match whatever he is offered. Lakers need more rebounds and fast breaks.