The rivalry between the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers is still as strong as ever. All throughout the summer, Clippers fans have taken note of the Lakers' moves, and they can't help but see them as misplaced.
After having Luka Doncic land in their lap, the Lakers went out and prioritized making moves this offseason that seemed to align with now having number 77 as their best player. They acquired Deandre Ayton to anchor them on the interior, and added Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia on the perimeter.
However, plenty of Clippers fans are pointing out that these additions maybe aren't as strong as the national media is making them out to be. Ayton, for example, has plenty of question marks around him. He's routinely had his effort questioned, fairly or unfairly, and he hasn't been able to stick anywhere in his career so far.
With Marcus Smart, injuries have taken a toll on his body and severely limited his time on the court for the last couple of seasons. He hasn't looked quite like the former Defensive Player of the Year he was three years ago. As for LaRavia, he doesn't necessarily look like an upgrade over Dorian Finney-Smith.
Clippers fans are laughing at the Lakers' roster moves
From the perspective of Clippers fans, the Lakers have been doing nothing short of their typical circus act: throwing things at the wall and seeing if they stick. But even if you think the Lakers have had a productive offseason and got better, it's hard to say the Clippers didn't upgrade quite a bit more than their rivals.
The Clippers took a squad that was a defensive monster last season and only improved their personnel. It was the offense that was often hard to come by last season, and that should no longer be a problem.
Now, James Harden's life is going to be significantly easier with other isolation scorers and reliable ball-handlers around him. Having the likes of Bradley Beal alongside him in the starting lineup or even coming off the bench will allow him to have a lot less weight on his shoulders.
On top of that, LA is going to have Chris Paul running their second unit while also getting major depth upgrades in the front court with John Collins and Brook Lopez. Even the biggest Lakers fan would have to admit how strong the Clippers' roster now is.
I would think Clipper Nation is now fired up and ready for this coming season. Not only is their team primed for what should be a great regular season, but Clippers fans will have plenty of opportunities to chirp their friends who are Lakers supporters.