On any given night, for any given period of time, either team can play some of the most dominant basketball in the NBA. At the same time, however, both the Clippers and Lakers are no stranger to playing excessively inconsistent—and sometimes lethargic—basketball.
For 17 consecutive games—or rather, victories—we were inclined to ignore the latter when it came to the Clippers. It was during that stretch that the Clippers held their opponents to less than 100 points on 13 occasions. It was also during that stretch that they won 12 of their 17 games by a double-digit margin.
It was during that stretch, ultimately, that they appeared unbeatable.
But then came games against the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors, and just like that, the character the Clippers had built over the last 17 contests had disappeared.
As for the Lakers, their inconsistencies haven't been cloaked by spurts of dominance. Their longest winning streak of the season stands at five games, and they've won two or more games in a row just three times all season.
And yet, we've seen flashes of potential dominance. Victories over teams like the Warriors, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets are clear indicators that this team—age be damned—can play.
But which of these Staples Center-based teams is better? Which of them is better equipped to make a deep postseason run and, subsequently, a serious title push?
Records aside, the Clippers have the edge.
It's not as if the Lakers aren't capable of making some postseason noise—because they are. That said, their current dynamic, immeasurable ceiling and all, is dangerous bordering on detrimental.
My problem with the Lakers is not their age. Watching Steve Nash dribble around, his eyes cons...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
