Final Analysis
The Clippers will be an excellent team next season. The Lakers will be better.
The Clippers roster isn’t like any previous champion from the past.
It takes exceptional playmaking, rebounding, and rim protection to march through the playoffs and win a title.
The Clippers great perimeter defense, plus Leonard and George’s shot-making won’t be enough.
There have only been two teams in recent memory that have won a championship without a legitimate center in their closing lineup; The Warriors and Heat.
The Warriors featured four All-Stars in Green, Curry, Durant, and Thompson. Green isn’t a real 5, but he plays like a demented wolverine to make up for his lack of size. Green was the best defender in the NBA during the Warriors title runs.
The Heat had three Hall-of-Famers; James, Wade, and Bosh. Chris Bosh was an excellent defender, capable of altering shots at the rim and pulling down contested rebounds.
The Clippers have a great duo, but sadly, Leonard and George play the same position and have similar skill sets. The Clippers front office should have added a playmaking point guard and a veteran center who can protect the paint.
The Lakers are a real team.
The Purple and Gold check all the championship boxes. Rob Pelinka’s built a squad with playmakers, rebounders, shot blockers, shooters, and perimeter defenders.
Unlike Leonard and George, James and Davis fit together like spaghetti and meatballs.
This season the Lakers are going to show that it takes more than two All-Star wings to dominate the battle of Los Angeles, instead it takes a well-constructed roster.