Clippers Outperforming Lakers Despite LeBron James

LeBron James playing for the Los Angeles Lakers is a good thing for both LA NBA teams. That’s according to Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers.

“I think the Lakers are the Lakers with or without LeBron,” Rivers said.

“For the last four or five years I was pretty much left alone in restaurants, no one said anything to me.

“But now LeBron comes to the Lakers and the Laker fans, they talk more.

“I get it, I think if we picked up LeBron I would probably talk more too so I’m fine with that.

“I think it’s good, I like it.

“A lot of people say ‘oh no LeBron is coming, what about us’.

“That’s good. When basketball is spoken about in L.A. it helps both teams at the end of the day.”

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Despite having LeBron James, the Lakers are playing worse than the clippers this season. The Los Angeles Clippers currently lead the Western Conference, having won 8 of 9 home games.

Instead of stars like LeBron James, it’s unlikely heroes and rookies who are doing the business for the Clippers. Tobias Harris, Danilo Gallinari, Lou Williams, Montreal Harrell and rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have all performed better than expected.

If the Clippers maintain their good form, they will be in a position to undermine the Lakers further next summer. Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard could both be available in free agency, with Los Angeles a likely destination for both.

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Despite edging his city rivals right now, Doc Rivers was full of praise for the Lakers.

“He’s been amazing,” he said.

“They’re young and they’re growing. They’re not to be discounted. I think they’re really talented and they’re really good.

“Having LeBron and Rondo is so under-rated just from a leadership standpoint.

“I’ve never coached LeBron but I have coached Rondo. He is the smartest and he’s really grown.”