Halftime Hype

It's no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are practically polar opposites. Other than the arena they play in, the two NBA teams have little in common. At this point in time, the two organizations are also in a very different situation with regard to free agency. However, they are both in pursuit of the same thing: a title.

With a 16th championship banner on the way, the Lakers know exactly what it takes to win. While a multitude of teams are holding their breath for LeBron James, the Lakers breathed a deep sigh of relief on Thursday after Phil Jackson said those magic words: "Count me in." Fans woke up with a smile on Friday, opening the Los Angeles Times' "Sports" section to the headline, "He's Rested and Ready."

Almost immediately after the Lakers won Game 7, questions circulated about Jackson's future. Did he honestly have anything left to prove? Did he have it in him for one more run? On Thursday, he assured everyone that he did. Jackson shared,"I got a message..that said 'Phil, you've got to come back, there is a need to fulfill the prophecy. You know 12 [titles] is a holy number and 11 just doesn't fill that.'"

If there were any doubts about whether the Lakers would be a championship-worthy team next season, they have been erased. For now, the organization won't have to take a risk with a new coach at the helm. With the Zen Master back for more, even a team with Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade can be overcome. As the saying goes, "third time's a charm."



"It is time to get back to the challenge of putting together a team that can defend its title in the 2010-2011 season," Jackson said in a statement released by the team. Indeed, a "challenge" it will be, especially since nearly half of the champs are free agents.

So far, it has been reported that the Lakers have signed guard Steve Blake to a four-year contract for a total of $16 million. Earlier this week, the Times reported that the Lakers have contacted two of their guards, Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown. RealGM.com also cites the Lakers having interest in Celtics' reserve, Tony Allen; Celtics' guard, Nate Robinson; Wizards' shooter, Mike Miller; former Rockets' star, Tracy McGrady; Bucks' guard, Luke Ridnour; Magic forward, Matt Barnes; and Wizards' guard, Randy Foye.

There have also been reports of mutual interest between the Lakers and the Warriors' Raja Bell. Recently, there were also rumors of mutual interest between the organization and point guard Earl Watson. Although after signing Blake, it seems less likely the Lakers will pursue Watson, who attended UCLA.

The Clippers are also trying to assemble a winning squad. Then again, with the Clippers' luck, one never knows how the end result will turn out. In 2004, Kobe Bryant told the Clippers to have a jersey ready for him, changing his mind after a conversation with the Lakers' owner, Dr. Jerry Buss. The Clippers can only hope things will end differently in their pursuit of another big name, LeBron James.

The Clippers met with LeBron on Friday, leaving with a feeling that the meeting went "very well." Representing the organization were general manager Neil Oshley and president Andy Roeser. Owner Donald Sterling was not present at the meeting.

While it may seem funny, the Clippers actually have a lot to boast. In his presentation to James, Oshley emphasized, "we clearly have the best team already in place for him to join, we have the best city, the best arena, the best practice facility – overall the best situation."

What's more, the Clippers even produced a DVD for the King. The video highlighted life in L.A., along with the team's state-of-the-art practice facility and footage of the Clippers themselves. "We felt if we couldn't bring LeBron to L.A., we'd bring L.A. to LeBron," Olshey said.



A scenario that has not been heavily dwelled upon is a potential signing of Celtics' forward Paul Pierce. The two parties apparently have mutual interest, one can assume that Pierce's Los Angeles roots play a large part. (Update: It appears as though Pierce is coming closer to a deal with the Celtics.)

In addition to pursuing players, the Clippers are also searching for a head coach. The front-runners for the position are reportedly Vinny Del Negro, head coach of the Bulls last season, and Mavericks assistant, Dwane Casey. At this point in time, it's unclear who the Clippers will go with but a decision will be made soon.

All in all, the Lakers and Clippers - two teams in two extremely different positions - have a challenging, but exciting offseason ahead of themselves.