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What LeBron’s decision means for the LA Clippers

By Jasmine Robinson

PLAYA VISTA, CA- JUNE 19: Lawrence Frank, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, and Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers name Jerry West as Special Consultant at a press conference in Playa Vista, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA- JUNE 19: Lawrence Frank, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, and Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers name Jerry West as Special Consultant at a press conference in Playa Vista, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers are in a tough spot right now, and the Lakers signing LeBron James really didn’t help.

It’s no secret that the Clippers are in an awkward stage right now. The last remains of Lob City are being purged. The Clippers are still searching for a new identity without Blake Griffin on the team.

And it’s a difficult process. Jerry West and Lawrence Frank have made some questionable decisions. And while we know they only have good intentions, it’s hard to tell if their decisions are good when there’s nothing to show for it yet.

And in the midst of the Clippers struggles, the Lakers somehow land LeBron James. It’s the last thing the Clippers needed as conference rivals, division rivals, city rivals and arena rivals. But should such a huge free agent signing affect the Clippers plan of action anyways?

Here’s what LeBron James signing with the Lakers means for the Clippers organization.

All the attention in LA is back on the Lakers

Free agents, the media, and fans all over the country have their eyes on the Lakers and “LABron”. Love it or hate it, the Clippers are back to being in the Lakers’ shadow. It is what it is. And who knows, it might be better to suck now, now that the attention on the Lakers. Less attention and pressure on the Clippers to be great.

The darker days are back for the Clippers

This might mean the resumption of some more dark days for the Clippers. Even if the team does pick up some good pieces that fit what they have, they still won’t be at the level of competitiveness they were a few years ago. Especially since the western conference now has LeBron. There’s a lot of change happening, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Clippers have to be a part of it.

The Lakers are just one more team we’ll have to worry about. And it’s nothing but growing pains. No one said it would be easy, and no one said it was gonna be quick. We knew what we signed up for when when this revision and rebranding process began. It’ll be really tough to make the playoffs if they don’t land a star player. And for now, it’s okay if that doesn’t happen.

The Clippers need to focus on themselves

Don’t make knee-jerk decisions in an effort to try and compete with the Lakers and the changing landscape in the west. No one really knows what Frank and West have up their sleeves. But whatever it is, they need to stick to it. They cannot be pressured just because the Lakers are making huge moves. The best way to go about this is to stick to the plan and be steadfast in their vision.

What now?

That being said, if the Clippers are gonna push to make a big move and be semi-competitive, there’s only one route. They need to try and acquire Kawhi Leonard. If they drop the ball on him, which is likely given the current assets LA has, don’t expect much success from the Clippers this year.

However, success in this league is a marathon not a sprint. Even the Lakers had to suffer (and I truly mean suffer) through several years of mediocrity while the Clippers were the better team. It took time for them to draft good, young players and, now, land LeBron.

So, get comfortable with the Clippers being the inferior team in LA once again.

Next: Clippers are interested in Kevin Looney

Slow progress is hard to watch, because sometimes you don’t see things developing in real time. But soon there will be something to show for it. This season might be a despairing one, but the Clippers will have their sights set on next summer to really make a splash.

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