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Ranking LA’s biggest Western Conference roadblocks

By Hans Themistode

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (L) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (R) during a Christmas Day National Basketball Association (NBA) match-up between the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on December 25, 2019. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (L) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (R) during a Christmas Day National Basketball Association (NBA) match-up between the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on December 25, 2019. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LeBron James & Kawhi Leonard
LeBron James & Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. Los Angeles Lakers

At times, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared apathetic on the court.

Listless on the defensive side of the ball and befuddling offensively, the Clippers’ down-the-hall rivals produced one of their more disappointing seasons in recent memory. With only 33 victories on the year, the Lakers never truly clicked.

Anthony Davis continued his perpetual injury history, and Russell Westbrook was both petulant and bemusing in his play. LeBron James, on the other hand, was simply great, putting together a season for the ages. At 37-years-old, James nearly led the league in scoring, averaging 30.3 points per game to go along with 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

Despite their inept and disconnected play, the Lakers, at least on paper, house three of the biggest stars in the entire NBA. Davis, while lethargic at times, easily scored 23.2 points per game on 53.2% from the field. His 3-point ball has completely abandoned him though, nailing just 18.6% from distance but defensively, Davis is still a wrecking machine, averaging 9.9 boards and 2.3 blocks per game.

If newly instated coach, Darvin Ham, can get the best out of Russell Westbrook and allow the pieces to fit in smoothly, they’ll not only present a gigantic roadblock for the Clippers but for everyone in the Western Conference.

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