Out of the Shadows...

   Los Angeles is a city filled with dreamers. By dreamers, I mean people who want to make it in the entertainment industry by becoming a big star. Who doesn’t dream of that life? Los Angeles is right next to Hollywood, so of course there are stars and drama all over the city, but who wrote the script for LA’s other team not named the Lakers? Many would say David Stern, cause let’s face it; he gave the Clippers “Chris Paul” away for some spare change and a few dollars for gas! When Chris Paul landed in Clipper land, the Clippers were no longer the laughing stock of the league, but instead became one of the most intimidating teams in the NBA.

   The Lakers had Paul for a few hours, but he wasn’t meant to don the purple and gold, he was the chosen one to lead the Clippers out of the Lakers shadows. Has he succeeded? Without a doubt he has. He has helped make the Clippers into a modern day “Showtime!” Just ask Magic Johnson and he might agree with you. Yes, ladies and gentleman the Clippers are no longer the step brothers getting bullied by the bigger more successful brother.

    The tables have turned and it looks like the city for the first time, will have to pick an alliance. Will that be Paul’s Clippers or Kobe’s Lakers? Time will tell, but what if this turns into a great rivalry where the city of Los Angeles will be forced to pick a side? Chris Paul, not Blake Griffin will be the one to lead the Clippers to where he nor the Clippers have gone before. A few years ago, ESPN said that the world would be different if the Clippers were in the NBA finals. That day may have come and it appears to be closer than ever. Who knows? How can the Clippers make it to the finals and win it? Here’s a few things for consideration that LA’s other team will have to do to reach NBA’s Mount Everest top.

     For one, Chris Paul needs to stay healthy. Without Paul, the Clipps have struggled and managed to lose some games. Don't get me wrong, Eric Bledsoe is an awesome back up guard, but he can't lead this team to the promise land.

   Second, the man known as Blake Griffin has to evolve into more of a complete player. He is fun to watch, but when he plays against someone like "Tim Duncan," who is called the "Big Fundamental," he better have his fundamentals straight!

   Third, the bench needs to continue to dominate. Jamal Crawford has lead the way for the Clipps off the bench, but he is going to have to keep up his great season well into the post-season because that's when it really counts.

   Finally, the Clipps coach; Vinny Del Negro. Coach Vinny is going to have to keep this team together throughout the playoffs for the sake of the team and his job. If the Clippers don't make it to the Western Conference finals this year, Vinny may be gone. Maybe those expectations are to high, but hey when you have a talented core to work with, there are no excuses for losing and coming up short.

   The playoffs will be the true test for the Clippers. Last years run was nice and surprising, but this year the expectations are much higher. For the Clippers to climb out of the Lakers shadows they will need to win and win big. They have gone all in up to this point and if they truly are LA's new winner then they better bring home the trophy to prove it... Peace...