The Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes for this season, but if they are going to reach their goals, they will have to remain focused on the tasks at hand, not other teams.
Los Angeles Lakers fans have to be happy about how the team looks heading into the 2019-20 season. They acquired a second star in Anthony Davis to go along with LeBron James. The team added a number of veterans that fit alongside their superstar duo very well, but they aren’t the only team in the city garnering attention.
Not to be outdone by the Lakers, the LA Clippers also had a big offseason. They have had more success than the Lakers on the court in recent years and this year they will look to continue that.
The Clippers had arguably the best offseason of any team in the NBA this summer. Not only did they land Kawhi Leonard in free agency, seemingly stealing him away from the Lakers, they also acquired Paul George in a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Basketball fans are excited to see the Lakers and Clippers face off on the court this season. They will be two of the best teams in the NBA and their rivalry will reach new heights this season.
Both teams haven’t been very good, let alone contenders, at the same time previously. That will make for some intriguing headlines and battles throughout the season. Both teams will be under the microscope, but if the Lakers want to reach their goals, they will have to keep focused.
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Lakers head coach Frank Vogel recently talked to Steve Aschburner of NBA.com. He believes the team needs to remain focused on themselves and cannot worry about what the Clippers are doing.
"No doubt. They have a terrific team and a terrific coach, and their front office is doing really well. But we can’t focus on their location. We still have to focus on ourselves and the task at hand. Not just worry about what’s happening crosstown. There are a lot of teams capable of winning the West, so we’ll be focused on our process."
In that regard, Vogel is right. While the Clippers are assuredly contenders, they are far from the only one the Lakers will run into.
The Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz are all legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. In addition, the Eastern Conference also has the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks leading the way.
Focusing on themselves will be key to finding success. There are a lot of new faces on the roster and a new voice leading the way in Vogel. However, plenty of people are going to compare the teams throughout the season.
The NBA knows this is a marquee matchup. The Battle of Los Angeles will take place not only on opening night but on Christmas Day as well. If things go according to plan for the Lakers, a playoff series could also be on deck.