Since the Clippers moved to Los Angeles 28 years ago, they have been the worst franchise in the NBA, while the Lakers have been the best. So, how can we even begin to consider them rivals?
By PINE SISKIN
The Big Leagues in LA
The Lakers and Clippers will play for the second time this season Wednesday night. In its advance story, the Los Angeles Times cautiously raised the possibility of a rivalry, mixing in enough doubt for protection, just in case the question is ridiculous.
But the question is not ridiculous, even if the answer to the question, "Is Lakers vs. Clippers a rivalry?" can't be anything but, "Of course not!" What's ridiculous is that answer isn't a resounding "Yes!"
Two teams are rivals if they frequently play against each other with something big on the line, directly on the line such that the winner will win it and the loser will thereby lose it. It could be first place for the moment, but it's more likely to be division championships, playoff meetings or bragging rights within a shared community.
So, the conditions are in place for a rivalry between the Lakers and the Clippers, who live in the same division and the same town, but the Clippers have not been up to it. The Lakers got here first (1960) and already owned the town when the Clippers moved up from San Diego in 1984. Since the Clippers arrived, the Lakers have won eight NBA championships and appeared in the NBA Finals three other times. During that same period, the Clippers have two winning seasons. For two generations, LA has been home to the best NBA franchise, and the worst. No rivalry.
As it happens, the Clippers are on the move this year. The floor is leveled, at least for now, with the emergence of Blake Griffin as a star last year, the Clippers' acquisition of Chris Paul this year, and the Lakers' transition away from Phil Jackson's triangle offense. By some measures, this year's Clippers team is their best since they came to Los Angeles. It could even be that the Clippers are the best team in town.
It's still very early. The Clippers are 9-5 and the Lakers are 10-8, losing three straight. Both teams have enormous holes.
But they both are contenders, and that stokes the hint of a rivalry. The Clippers won the previous meeting this year between the two teams, 102-94 on Jan. 14 at Staples Center. The Clippers were the home team. Wednesday night, the Lakers are the home team. Not that it matters. Both teams are at home. And, for once, both are in the thick of it.
By PINE SISKIN
The Big Leagues in LA
The Lakers and Clippers will play for the second time this season Wednesday night. In its advance story, the Los Angeles Times cautiously raised the possibility of a rivalry, mixing in enough doubt for protection, just in case the question is ridiculous.
But the question is not ridiculous, even if the answer to the question, "Is Lakers vs. Clippers a rivalry?" can't be anything but, "Of course not!" What's ridiculous is that answer isn't a resounding "Yes!"
Two teams are rivals if they frequently play against each other with something big on the line, directly on the line such that the winner will win it and the loser will thereby lose it. It could be first place for the moment, but it's more likely to be division championships, playoff meetings or bragging rights within a shared community.
So, the conditions are in place for a rivalry between the Lakers and the Clippers, who live in the same division and the same town, but the Clippers have not been up to it. The Lakers got here first (1960) and already owned the town when the Clippers moved up from San Diego in 1984. Since the Clippers arrived, the Lakers have won eight NBA championships and appeared in the NBA Finals three other times. During that same period, the Clippers have two winning seasons. For two generations, LA has been home to the best NBA franchise, and the worst. No rivalry.
As it happens, the Clippers are on the move this year. The floor is leveled, at least for now, with the emergence of Blake Griffin as a star last year, the Clippers' acquisition of Chris Paul this year, and the Lakers' transition away from Phil Jackson's triangle offense. By some measures, this year's Clippers team is their best since they came to Los Angeles. It could even be that the Clippers are the best team in town.
It's still very early. The Clippers are 9-5 and the Lakers are 10-8, losing three straight. Both teams have enormous holes.
But they both are contenders, and that stokes the hint of a rivalry. The Clippers won the previous meeting this year between the two teams, 102-94 on Jan. 14 at Staples Center. The Clippers were the home team. Wednesday night, the Lakers are the home team. Not that it matters. Both teams are at home. And, for once, both are in the thick of it.
