1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers
When it comes to matchups in the NBA this season, the Los Angeles Lakers facing off with the LA Clippers is the cream of the crop. There is competition between the co-tenants of the Staples Center already, but now that both teams have legitimate championship aspirations, the rivalry has been pushed to another level.
The on-court performance has been in the Clippers’ favor in recent seasons. They don’t have the prestige and history of the Lakers, but they have something the Lakers haven’t had the last six seasons, and that is a playoff appearance. The Clippers have made the postseason five of the last six years, while the Lakers are in the midst of a six-year playoff drought, the longest in franchise history.
If things go according to plan, that streak will end this season. Rob Pelinka came through with a big trade for Anthony Davis, giving LeBron James a star running mate. They have improved depth this season and built the roster more conducive to James’ skill set, surrounding him and Davis with 3-point shooters that get after it defensively. DeMarcus Cousins and Kyle Kuzma give the Lakers a really strong quartet.
Not to be outdone by the Lakers, the Clippers pulled off a big trade of their own, landing Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder to pair with Kawhi Leonard. Those two will look to reach heights that LA was unable to when they had their own Big 3 of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
This will be a matchup fans want to see all season. The Lakers and Clippers will face off four times in the regular season and potentially a playoff series in April or May. This is not only the most anticipated Christmas Day game but arguably the most anticipated matchup of the season.