As the LA Clippers play their first game of the season in just a few days, fans have exceptionally high expectations for the upcoming year. It’s not quite often when the Clippers are in arguably the best position to win the NBA Finals. This season might be the first time in franchise history that they should run into no problems in breaking the record books if all goes as planned.
Moreover, their season-opener is against the 2020 NBA champions, Los Angeles Lakers. While many expect this game to be a good one, head coach Tyronn Lue will likely cruise past the cross-town rivals. Superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George should be good to go, as should the rest of the roster.
In addition, the bright lights of the never-ending rivalry will be shining on the newly added play-making point guard, John Wall. In the minutes the Lakers’ big man, Anthony Davis, is off the floor, Wall must apply an unreal amount of pressure around the rim. No player in the NBA can stand in his way when he is at his best.
Furthermore, the Lakers’ first regular season game against the Golden State Warriors was beyond disappointing. Lue and his staff should analyze the game film and look to take advantage of the Lakers’ weaknesses. The scheme will have the LA Clippers at a great start to the 2022-23 regular season.
The LA Clippers will demolish any lineup that comes in the direction of Lue and his squad.
Based on the Lakers’ first performance of the season, the LA Clippers can expose them through several different lineups. This game would be perfect for a small-ball lineup as Davis would be forced out to the perimeter, leaving a wide-open lane to the rim. Three players that could be highly effective in this lineup are Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, and Norman Powell.
Not to mention, the Lakers looked atrocious on the defensive end. By simply attacking the mismatch, Leonard and George will take care of business by any means necessary. Having the LA Clippers win their first regular season game by a significant margin would be no mistake.
Warriors showing the blueprint to beating this Lakers defense... which is just to move and play offense.
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) October 19, 2022
Additionally, evaluating the Warriors’ approach could help push the Clippers to a win. This includes off-ball screens, adjustments on both ends of the floor, and half-court sets for the vital rotational pieces. The LA Clippers should show no mercy in their season-opener as they look to make it eight straight wins against the Lakers throughout the last two years.
If the LA Clippers get off to a hot start, Lue should adjust the minutes of Leonard and George accordingly. With a long season ahead, injuries are not worth it. However, Lue should expect James and his Lakers to come fully prepared. Being aggressive, staying confident, and showing 110% on both ends will put the Clippers in the win column to start, what should be, a season that fans will never forget.