For decades, the Los Angeles Lakers have held the city in the palm of their hands—16 NBA titles have certainly helped the team's cause. But lately, the Los Angeles Clippers have had success of their own, threatening the possibility of an assault on the throne.
Is Staples Center really big enough for both of them?
Last year was a campaign to remember for the Clippers. It was arguably the best season in team history.
For starters, the Clippers put together a franchise-best 56-26 record in the regular season. The team also added its first-ever Pacific Division title.
Among the franchise firsts is one that haunts Lakers fans the most from last year: The Clippers' season-series sweep (4-0) of their crosstown rivals.
Could this be the beginning of the changing of the guard in Los Angeles?
Over the past two seasons, the Clippers have actually outdrew the Lakers at home. In fact, they were just one of six teams in the NBA that sold out every regular-season game in 2012-13—a list that does not include the Lakers.
Then there's Las Vegas, which has the Clippers at 12-to-1 to win the title versus 100-to-1 for the Lakers.
Clippers small forward Matt Barnes said it best in an interview with ESPN's Rick Reilly:
When I was a Clipper the first time [nine years ago], we were just the JV team. Our home games against the Lakers were really just Lakers home games. We were nowhere. But now, anywhere we go in the country, I see Clippers stuff. I mean, Oklahoma City, Miami, everywhere.
It only begs the question: If the Lakers continue to plummet this year, will the majority of Los Angeles fans turn their support toward the Clippers?
Longevity Is Key
Sure, the Clippers recorded accomplishment after accomplishment during the regular season last year. However, all that...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
