Lob City War: A Primer

Tomorrow will be an exciting day for basketball fans as the two NBA teams reppin' Los Angeles collide for the first time this season. The much-anticipated clash between the Lakers and the Clippers will commence by noontime tomorrow (Philippine Time) at the Staples Center with the Clips wearing their light jerseys (making it officially a home game for LAC and a "road" game for LAL).

The difference of this game from the previous encounters is the big significance of how it will affect the following of both two teams come the future. In the latest installment of the Battle of Hollywood first episode of the Lob City War, all eyes will be on...

1. The Clippers-From the team who's playing under the big shadow of the star-studded Lakers, the new Big 5 of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Chauncey Billups, and Caron Butler have turned LAC from the perennial whipping boys of the Pacific Division to (arguably) title contenders (and a dunk fest). While they were criticized early in the season because they only won against "too beatable" opponents and struggle against playoff teams, the Clippers made a statement after stunning East powerhouse Miami, 95-89, yesterday. With the win, LAC now proves to everyone that they're a no non-sense team. Currently at 5-3, the Clippers are expected to make a deep playoff run. I even have them in my Final 4 forecast. But all eyes will definitely be on the CP3 to Blake and CP3 to Jordan alley-oops. What's more: the Clippers swept the Lakers in their pre-season series, so the people are expectant LAC will repeat over LAL.

2. Kobe Bryant-With a torn ligament in his right wrist he suffered during the pre-season, many thought Kobe's done. Think again! KB24, injured and all, put up three straight brilliant performances. Starting with a 48 against Phoenix last Wednesday, Kobe continued with another 40 against Utah the following day. And earlier, he scorched for a 42 against Cleveland. It's the first time since 2007 that a player scored at least 40 in each of his last three games, and they're 3-0. Are we seeing a vintage Kobe? PS: While we saw Kobe Bryant go hot again en route to their third consecutive win, his father, coach Joe Bryant, and the rest of the ASEAN Basketball League's new club Bangkok Cobras got a rude welcome from the AirAsia Patriots. AAP demolished BC, 86-58.

This game may define if there will be a change of Hollywood Power come the next few years. So grab your popcorns (or your lunch) and get ready for the start of the Lob City War.

Update: The Clippers won their first meeting with the Lakers last Sunday, 102-94, despite a 40-point output of Kobe Bryant, his 4th straight 40-point outing. That streak was stopped after the Dallas Mavericks limited him to only 14, but the defending champs weren't able to stop Derek Fisher from making the game-winning triple as the Lakers defeated the Mavs, 73-70 yesterday. The Clippers won against the New Jersey Nets, 101-91, earlier in the day, but they got blown out by the Utah Jazz earlier, 108-79.

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I am a BS Mathematics student at UPLB. I play basketball, some ultimate, a little DOTA, but I worship God a lot! Do follow my other blog: The Lord is My Coach

Lob City War: A Primer