NBA: Lakers, Clippers will revitalize the Los Angeles rivalry this season

The battle of L.A. between the Lakers and Clippers is always talked about throughout the NBA. Heading into the 2019-20 season, the two Los Angeles teams are very good on paper, but which team will ultimately be crowned the kings of L.A.?

Let’s face it, both Los Angeles teams made blockbuster trades this offseason, and added much-needed help to both rosters.

It helps to have LeBron James, but who will help him win more games? The Los Angeles Lakers went on and traded for arguably the best center in the league, Anthony Davis. They also went out and got Danny Green, who can help the Lakers with his on-ball defense, and his ability to shoot from the perimeter.

The Lakers also signed DeMarcus Cousins to a one-year deal, but unfortunately, his season is expected to be cut short due to a torn ACL – he may or may not return this season. Knowing the severity of this injury, the Lakers went out signed the 15-year vet, Dwight Howard. I believe that Dwight Howard will be a factor this season. He’s been around the league for a while, but I feel like this is his time to prove that he still belongs.

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He returns back to L.A, but in a very different situation. Howard is an eight-time NBA All-Star and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

The Los Angeles Clippers are, by many, the favorites to win the 2020 NBA Finals, and to no surprise with their offseason pick ups. The Clippers traded for Paul George and signed free agent Kawhi Leonard, which makes them one of the best duos in the league.

Vegas has them (+350) right now and were at 16-1 odds before they added Kawhi and PG. The Clippers also have a deep bench and could prove to be the x-factor in winning the title. Players like Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, and Landry Shamet, can prove to the league that the Clippers have what it takes to win, from top to bottom.

Let’s grade both teams:

LAL: B+, LAC: A-

The Lakers upgraded their defense with Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard, but I think getting Danny Green, and having role players that can defend, is a big plus. Not to mention, they still have LeBron James leading them on both ends of the court. Their shooting isn’t as good as the Clippers, but having LeBron and AD running the offense can prove to be beneficial.

The Clippers now have leaders in Kawhi and PG, so their defense improves tremendously. The question still remains if they can protect the rim. We will continue to see if this poses a problem throughout the year. I believe their shooting takes them to another level this year because of the additions they acquired.

PG and Kawhi, have been really good from the outside. Kawhi is shooting 49 percent in his career, and George is shooting 43 percent for his career and took 10 3’s a game last year with the Thunder. Role players like Landry Shamet, Lou Williams, and Patrick Beverley can help them with their scoring this season.

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Both teams are going to be fun to watch this year. Look for highlight plays throughout the season. Right now, I believe the Los Angeles Clippers are slightly better than the Lakers. I can’t wait for what both teams have in store for all of us.