As more reports of dysfunction in Laker Land continue to surface, the LA Clippers are looking better as a free agent destination.
Just when things don’t seem like they can get any crazier for the Lakers, it does. With today’s new report from ESPN highlighting the issues with the Lakers front office, free agents have to be getting more weary of playing for the purple and gold. With LeBron James still on the team, the Lakers will always be a playoff contender, but may have trouble getting over the hump without finding him some help. This kind of dysfunction is only benefiting the LA Clippers.
Forever seen as the “other LA team”, the Clippers now have to look like the better option to perspective free agents, superstar or not. Both the Lakers and Clippers do have young assets and offer the benefit of playing in Los Angeles, but that is where the similarities stop.
Stable front office? Advantage: Clippers. Head coach with a great reputation among players? Advantage: Clippers. The Lakers have history on their side as one of the most storied franchises in the league while the Clippers are well… the opposite. Still, does that really matter in this day and age when picking a team to join?
ESPN’s report paints a rough picture. There is still the back-and-forth between Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. There are reports of lying, repeated tampering, shadow ownership and more. With all this drama coming to the public eye, it would make sense that NBA players are even more privy to what is really going on.
So why the, would they join the Lakers over the Clippers? The Clips may not have the same glitz and glamor, but they offer the opportunity to craft a legacy without being caught up in the drama. This summer when the likes of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard are taking meetings, this has to be something that is brought up.
The franchises’ outlook is so great that Jerry West even committed to staying on longer as a consultant, despite being one of the most famous Lakers’ players. There’s something to be said about being straight forward, having a solid group in the front office and keeping your head down and working.
When comparing the two franchises this summer, free agents will have to consider which experience they want: A stable culture or a media circus.