Bleacher Report recently released a few top storylines if the NBA jumps right into the playoffs when they resume. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they were mentioned in a potential battle for L.A.
Due to the coronavirus, the NBA has suspended the season for about a week now. While this might feel like it’s been a lot longer than a week for many, we have just started what could be a lengthy delay without basketball.
The suspended season comes with the Los Angeles Lakers in first place in the Western Conference and them holding the second-best overall record. Only the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference have a better record than the Lakers, as they are a true title contender once again.
Due to the uncertainty of when the Lakers will be playing again, we don’t know where the NBA will resume the season. While a case can be made for both the season to resume where it left off and for jumping right into the playoffs, that just isn’t something we have a timetable on yet.
Recently, Bleacher Report named some potential storylines for if the NBA season resumes with the playoffs starting right away. For the Lakers, they were mentioned as one of the top storylines to watch with a potential battle for L.A.
Since the offseason, the rivalry between the Lakers and the Clippers has been heating up. When the Clippers won the battle for Kawhi Leonard in free agency, it instantly made them a threat to the Lakers.
In addition to beating the Lakers for Leonard, they also beat the Lakers for the services of Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson a few weeks ago.
On the court, the Clippers hold a 2-1 lead in the season series. However, it is the Lakers with the best record in the West. If the season did end and the playoffs started right up, the Lakers and the Clippers would be able to avoid each other until the Western Conference Finals.
With the rivalry brewing between these two teams, fans would love to see this matchup. Even though the suspension has been and will continue to be tough on fans, a seven-game battle for L.A. and the West would be a lot of fun.