LA Clippers Roundtable: LA’s Best Team’s Next Moves
By Logan Rapp
Luc Mbah a Moute & Wilson Chandler
Rapp: Okay, let’s start winding down. Luc Mbah a Moute was a game time decision for Monday night’s Lakers game, though he didn’t play, and Wilson Chandler says he’s good to go for the Thunder game on Friday. What impact do we think they’ll bring to the team?
Tooke: Having Luc in front of PG may help. George scored 30 in two of their matchups so far this season.
Kimbrell: To be honest, I don’t expect much from Luc. It’s been a long time since he played, so he’ll have some warming up to do. I expect that he’s trying to earn himself some more on his contract this summer.
Saldana: To this team? In the short term not much while Luc plays into game shape and Wilson gets a feel for everyone. They will bring energy and add to the depth but they are role players. So as long as they do what they are supposed to do then they are good but it doesn’t move the needle I don’t think. Clippers are winning already.
Rapp: I do think, at a minimum, there’s some value in just having another body that isn’t Gallo. Let Danilo take a breather and someone relatively competent taking some minutes.
Tooke: Gallinari got that 45 overall speed 20 acceleration.
Kimbrell: That’s true Logan. At the very least you’ve got somebody in there that can typically hit an open 3.
Saldana: But does it move the needle against the top teams when the playoffs start?
Rapp: It at least provides value that the roster didn’t have before that’s already being paid for. Check’s already cashed.
Kimbrell: Nah. It could help if we somehow manage to push up to the 5 seed (or maybe 6), but if we’re playing Denver or Golden State, I’m not sure there’s anything that can move the needle
Best Team in LA Shirt
Rapp: All right, last question: Who’s buying this?
Tooke: I like both so, eventually…
Kimbrell: Beverley is!
Saldana: Ehhh, maybe the sweater but wish it said something about the Clippers on it, haha.
Tooke: So timely. It’s subtle.
Rapp: Clippers BEEN best. I don’t know about those of you living in LA like me, but today? Today was a dramatic shift in tone at how people have been looking at me when I’m in my Clippers hoodie.
Saldana: They looked down, huh?
Kimbrell: Living in Bozeman, Montana it’s always a mix and match of team gear. But lately I’ve seen more Clippers gear than in the past few years.
Rapp: I was in Phoenix for Dodgers spring training and had some dude at a QuikTrip tell me “there’s only one team in LA” and showed his Lakers leg tattoo.
I may have told him “good luck with your pick.” He did not respond happily. I was reminded of him and his tattoo after the game last night.
Kimbrell: I mean, he’s partially right. After April 13th, there will only be one team playing in LA.