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Why 2019 free agents should choose the LA Clippers

By Cannon Wonderlich

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 4: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 4, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 4: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 4, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images /

Los Angeles Lakers

“BuT sIxTeEn RiNgS” is something that fans of all teams are tired of hearing, which makes it even more rewarding when the Lakers are in the slumps.

After signing the best player since Michael Jordan, the Lakers were expecting LeBron James to help them make noise in the playoffs. Due to many serious injuries, the Lakers ended up falling short of the playoffs… again. Last summer they were reported to be eyeing this summer as their chance to land LeBron some help. This won’t happen, which is too bad for Lakers fans, as they will be let down more than they were when D’Angelo Russell eliminated them from the playoff contention.

The LA Clippers are clearly the more desirable team to sign with. Here’s why:

Weather

I’m not going to act like there is an argument for the Clippers having better weather than the Lakers.

A Star’s Fit

No matter what, if any star signs with the Lakers, they will be the second banana to LeBron James. This is LeBron’s team, period. If players want to be the head honcho on their own team, then the Lakers are not the team for them.

If any stars sign with the Clippers, it will instantly become their team and they’ll have a supporting cast of some of the toughest role players in the association. In addition, the Clippers will have money to spare which they could use to attract another star and prepare for a deep playoff run.

Management History

The most recent transaction between the Clippers and Lakers has definitely left the Lakers remorseful. The Clippers fleeced the Lakers at the trade deadline by sending Mike Muscala across the hall for Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley. This should serve as a good reminder to free agents that the Lakers are not currently the top-dog in Los Angeles. They gave up a young big man with potential in Zubac for what is essentially just the body of Muscala.

Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have made a number of regrettable moves in the past two years. They gave up on D’Angelo Russell to justify them drafting Lonzo Ball. They let Brook Lopez and Julius Randle walk in free agency just to watch them both reinvent their careers and for Randle to become a star in the post. In the end, Lakers’ management is a mess, and I would be confused if any player chose to sign with them over the Clippers.

Next. Patrick Beverley thinks SGA should win ROTY. dark

If top free agents are looking for their best chance at success in a big market, the LA Clippers are the team to sign with. They have an incredible supporting cast and could easily integrate any two stars into their lineups.