2. More competition
There is much more competition in the Western Conference for the LA Clippers. Players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and many more are returning to full health. One of the biggest threats to the LA Clippers in the West is the reigning NBA champions.
The Golden State Warriors have what it takes to run it back. They proved to the world that they are more than capable of utilizing their young talent, as well as their veterans, to destroy their competition. Fortunately for the Clippers, the Warriors did not make any notable additions during their off-season. If anything, the Warriors lost some key players during free agency.
This gives the Clippers an advantage as gradually they added to their roster, making them even stronger. With George and Leonard returning to full health, there are not many teams that can compete with the LA Clippers.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers could be seen as a threat to the Clippers. These teams did not hesitate in adding some of the best role players in the NBA. However, the Clippers will not have to face these teams until the NBA Finals.
Within the last few seasons, many superstars have grown in the East. This leads to more competition. With that being said, the LA Clippers should have no problem locking up one of the top seeds.
After the Golden State Warriors, the Clippers clear almost any team in the West. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and the Memphis Grizzlies may be able to put up a fight, but with the amount of talent and star power the Clippers possess, none of these teams stand a chance.