Halftime Hype

The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers have been completely remodeled, as each franchise has acquired new players and conducted personnel changes in the pursuit of one goal: winning a NBA championship. The Lakers would subsequently endure a seemingly interminable rollercoaster of a season while Clippers fans gloated at their coup of Chris Paul. For once, Clippers fans could celebrate as frustrated Lakers fans shook their heads in dismay.

Interestingly enough, both teams would flame out together in the second round of the playoffs. Both teams also made major offseason moves.  As Arash Markazi noted in his column for ESPN Los Angeles, the Chris Paul trade has created a deep schism in Los Angeles sports fans. This very divide is only reason to love this year's L.A. basketball.

Simply put, every single game these teams play will matter. Each game will be fun to watch. These teams were already entertaining. Fans have grown accustomed to Blake Griffin slamming dazzling dunks and Kobe, well, being Kobe.

Now, there are many, many more elements to watch for. First of all, Los Angeles finally has a legitimate basketball rivalry. For years, fans could nonchalantly root for both teams under the mentality that a win for either time is a win for the City of Angeles. Such a mentality is no longer valid. Animosity has grown. Tensions have flared. Career trajectories have been altered. Trades have been made, or with respect to Chris Paul and the Lakers, not made. Finally, both sides have formidable components.  

Besides competing between themselves, they must face the other elite squads. The Lakers and Clippers were not the only ones improving their rosters in the hopes of unveiling a banner. The Boston Celtics were actively reloading. The Oklahoma City Thunder are still explosive and a force to be reckoned with. Every year, the San Antonio Spurs dispel the myth that they're too old and somehow defy Father Time, albeit with the help of a few young upstarts. The Miami Heat, as the defending champions, are still the team to beat.

 Within each of these teams are a vast number of threats. Whereas an injury to Kobe Bryant in the past may have devastated the Lakers, the starting lineup still has four other All-Stars. Similarly, the Clippers' second-unit, renowned for blowing leads, might consist of the best reserves in the league.

Angelenos, enjoy the moment: We are now amidst a Golden Age of Los Angeles Basketball.