Los Angeles Lakers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar believes hyped Lakers-Clippers matchup is good for LA

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar thinks the Lakers-Clippers games will be a hit this upcoming season.

Although Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has not graced the hardwood in three decades, his impact is still felt to this day. Given that he won six championships and six MVPs as a player, that impact is more than sensible.

While his cluster of basketball accomplishments speak for themselves, Abdul-Jabbar’s name has become well-known for another reason since his retirement. Abdul-Jabbar is incredibly articulate when it comes to both written and verbal expression.

In that realm, it destroys one of the unfortunate, invalid stereotypes that tend to surround high-profile athletes. Of course, Cap was an outstanding player for the Bucks and Lakers. However, that lone parcel of information does not mean he was only good for sinking hook shots.

Recently, Abdul-Jabbar sat down with Mark Medina from USA Today and touched on a variety of matters. One area that was naturally discussed along the way was hoops.

During the interview, the Lakers’ icon was asked about the hype encircling the Lakers and Clippers. Abdul-Jabbar asserted that he thinks the L.A. rivalry has reached new heights and that it is a positive thing for the city and for the NBA at large.

Paolo Songco of ClutchPoints transcribed Abdul-Jabbar’s thoughts on the heavily anticipated Lakers-Clippers matchup. The following is what the former center had to offer about the two L.A. teams.

"“There’s one school of thought that says it’s horrible these superteams are being formed. But that’s what general managers try to do,” Abdul-Jabbar explained, via Mark Medina of USA TODAY Sports. “What is horrible that Red Auerbach was able to get Robert Parish and Kevin McHale? They ended up with a super team. It was good for the game, and it was good for Celtics fans. That will be really good here with the rivalry between the Clippers and the Lakers. It’s a perfect thing for this city. The Clippers have gained some credibility and have gotten some really good players. Things will gel for them. We’ll see how the Lakers’ moves will play out through the season. I’m sure everybody is anticipating an interesting season this year.”"

When the league’s all-time leading scorer alluded to super teams, that point alone was bound to turn some heads. The most contemporary version of a super team has been, without question, the Golden State Warriors. They are a group that has managed to dominate the league for half a decade.

In the minds of some, sure, it seems unfair that Golden State has had teams as stacked as they have been. Some will go further on to contend that it lowered the overall level of competition in the league.

However, when Abdul-Jabbar referenced the Celtics, it revealed that super teams are not merely connected with modern basketball history. In lieu of that, it has much deeper roots than that, with Boston been a prime paradigm to back up his claim.

Cap went on to say that Boston’s super team was “good” for hoops at the time. While not everyone will like him saying that, the team was trying to reestablish its former glory days. They just wanted to win, and who doesn’t?

In a similar manner, the Lakers are aiming to do the same after a decade long drought. Meanwhile, the Clippers are hoping to make their mark for the first time in franchise history.

Certainly, the script is looking a little bit different headed into the 2019-2020 campaign. Granted the Warriors should not be counted out, L.A. is arguably the basketball capital of the world right now.

It is reasonable to say that some folks are not in favor of that, either. Nevertheless, what the L.A. teams have done this offseason is important.

On the one hand, the Lakers have built a team that could start an entirely new era of greatness. If that manages to happen, their past success will be rekindled and show that they are not a dying breed.

The Clippers’ moves have made them relevant again, which is healthy for the league as far as balance is concerned.

Let alone the balance their moves created, though, Abdul-Jabbar raises an interesting point when he calls the Lakers and Clippers a “rivalry.” It is an eye-opener given that the season is not even underway yet.

Be that as it may, it suggests that there are high hopes for both squads headed into what should be an exciting season. Both groups have star power, but also boast a lot of depth outside of their All-Star level players.

For that reason, it is no wonder why so many people, including Kareem, are looking forward to what is in store for the Staples Center tenants. Let’s cross the fingers that the matchup will match, if not, exceed expectations.