A Rivalry Simmers: Clippers over the Lakers

There’s Cain and Abel. Venus and Serena. The princes Harry and William.

James Harden Shoots over Lakers' Austin Reaves. Photo by Bryan Boado/TangentZine

Paul George warms up during the Lakers @ Clippers rivalry week game. Photo by Bryan Boado/TangentZine

The Lakers' Austin Reaves scoops for a layup. Photo by Bryan Boado/Tangent Zine

But tonight’s sibling rivalry is a little dearer to Angeleno hearts: the Clippers and the Lakers. 

Now I’m an only child, but I’ve got some idea of the crown older siblings are awarded. With more championship wins and worldwide renown than their younger brother, the Lakers are no doubt the favorites of Los Angeles. 

Video by ESPN YT Channel

The Lakers have gained notoriety for its star-studded games, with fellow Filipina Olivia Rodrigo slowly becoming a familiar face on the courtside. The team has had their time in the spotlight, and they sure love it.

NBA legends have graced their roster: Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and currently, LeBron James.  

The spot for my latest favorite Laker has to go to Number 15 though. As Austin Reaves had me giggling like a schoolgirl, I couldn’t help but wonder: do players get drafted by how cute they are? Blushing and crushing aside, there is still something undeniably charming about the Clippers. They have an allure that just draws you in. There's something about rooting for the underdog.

Video by Lakers Inc YT Channel

While the Clippers don’t have rock legends Red Hot Chili Pepper or Jack Nicholson as courtside regulars, they do have Mike Wazowski. They’re no stranger to being in their older brother’s shadow, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pose a threat. With Westbrook’s trade to the Clippers coupled with a decades long rivalry, there’s bad blood running in these two teams' veins. 

Video by The Riche Eisen Show

And tonight, the booing is loud. More than that, it’s personal. 

For most of the game, the Clippers led by a less than comfortable margin. It was a gap small enough to keep the Clippers on their toes, but out of pressure have emerged diamonds. Leonard and Westbrook led the charge, the team demonstrating and orchestrating plays like clockwork. 

The Clippers are well on their way to holding their own against their older, well-beloved rival. Having shared a space with the Lakers since 1999, like brothers fighting over a room, it’s getting crowded. The Clippers are soon moving to their own stadium, Intuit Dome, in Inglewood this coming 2024-2025 season. For those interested, tickets for a season pass are on sale here. 

Video by Clippers YT Channel

Tonight’s game is just a sign of the Clippers becoming serious title contenders. Because while Cain got the best of Abel, justice does eventually get served by way of divine intervention, or in this case, a Clippers 127-116 win and a Kawhi Leonard triple double masterpiece.