The NBA landscape in Los Angeles is a tale of two cities, with the Clippers and Lakers seemingly on parallel paths that couldn’t be more different. While one team is spiraling into chaos, the other is quietly positioning itself as a contender—but which is which? Let’s dive into the drama unfolding in L.A., where the basketball world is watching with bated breath.
Editor’s note: This analysis first appeared in the Open Floor newsletter, a free, twice-weekly deep dive from Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. If you’re not already a subscriber, you’re missing out—sign up now at https://www.si.com/newsletter-nba.
Greetings from Los Angeles, where the basketball scene is as unpredictable as ever. Fresh off a Dallas Mavericks road trip, I took the opportunity to dissect the Mavs’ post–Nico Harrison era (read more about their strategic shifts here: https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks-had-to-fire-nico-harrison-after-luka-doncic-trade-debacle). Since Anthony Davis’ return, Dallas has shown glimpses of their former selves, with Cooper Flagg living up to the hype. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are the Mavericks just one solid point guard away from turning their season around? Interestingly, they might already have that piece in the works.
Shifting gears to the Clippers, Rachel Nichols joins the Open Floor podcast for a deep dive into their recent struggles (listen here: https://www.si.com/nba/clippers-hit-rock-bottom-with-stunning-loss-to-zombie-mavs-is-there-time-to-fix-it). Last weekend was a nightmare for L.A., with back-to-back losses to injury-plagued Memphis and Dallas. Their woes continued in Miami, where they were blown out, dropping to a dismal 5–16 record. And this is the part most people miss: James Harden’s -39 plus/minus in just 20 minutes of play against the Heat is a stark reminder of how far the Clippers have fallen.
We also tackled the Lakers’ playoff potential, the Hawks’ surprising surge without Trae Young, and Cleveland’s underwhelming start. Catch the full discussion on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/open-floor-sis-nba-show/id1050847009), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0Bgxp9XcFMTysIDB5mC04P), or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRxhb-2QRi1DlpVi8D3zH7WzJgtZXo72g).
The Clippers’ numbers tell a grim story. The Heat shot 53% from the field and an astonishing 52.2% from three-point range, while L.A.’s defense crumbled. Harden’s performance was particularly alarming, and the team’s fifth straight loss (eighth in nine games) has fans questioning everything. Since Halloween, the Clippers have managed just two wins. As Kawhi Leonard put it, ‘Everybody wants to try to get a win. We’re not finding one at the moment.’
Their issues run deeper than just one bad game. After the loss to Dallas, I highlighted their defensive collapse (read more here: https://www.si.com/nba/clippers-hit-rock-bottom-with-stunning-loss-to-zombie-mavs-is-there-time-to-fix-it). Against Miami, it was the same old story. While 13 turnovers aren’t catastrophic, their inability to prevent opponents from capitalizing on mistakes is glaring. After a 9–0 Heat run to start the third quarter, Coach Ty Lue benched the entire starting lineup in frustration.
Here’s the million-dollar question: How do the Clippers turn this around? Getting Bogdan Bogdanović and Derrick Jones Jr. back from injury will help, but they weren’t winning when fully healthy. A coaching change seems unlikely, as owner Steve Ballmer shows no signs of pulling the trigger. With their first-round pick owed to Oklahoma City, tanking isn’t an option. Once a favorite for a deep playoff run, the Clippers now face the very real possibility of landing in the lottery.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are quietly building a case as contenders. Defensively, they’re middle-of-the-pack in most categories, but their struggles against the three-point shot and opponent field goal percentage raise concerns. Against Phoenix, they allowed 56 points in the paint—a glaring weakness. But here’s where it gets interesting: Could a trade deadline move for a frontcourt player like Daniel Gafford or Robert Williams III be the missing piece? Both names have been floated as potential targets, and either could shore up their defensive vulnerabilities.
Finally, let’s talk about Dillon Brooks. His swagger is infectious, whether in Memphis, Houston, or now with the rebuilding Suns. His bold statement about LeBron James—‘He likes people who bow down. I don’t bow down’—may rub some the wrong way, but his impact on team morale is undeniable. Controversial take: Is Brooks the kind of player every team needs, or does his attitude do more harm than good? Let’s debate it in the comments.
For more NBA insights, listen to the Open Floor podcast on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/open-floor-sis-nba-show/id1050847009), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0Bgxp9XcFMTysIDB5mC04P), or watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRxhb-2QRi1DlpVi8D3zH7WzJgtZXo72g).
Thought-provoking question for you: Are the Clippers beyond saving this season, or is there still a path to redemption? And do the Lakers have what it takes to make a serious playoff run? Sound off below!
