January 18, 2011 – Kevin Burke

The Los Angeles Lakers are the 2-time defending NBA Champions and have a legit shot at earning their second 3-peat in recent memory. They have the most skilled player in the league in Kobe Bryant, and probably the most offensively gifted big man in Pau Gasol. They are coached by the man with more rings than Liz Taylor and have the tradition, glitz and glamour that come along with the franchise.

They happen to share the Staples Center with with the Clippers. The Clippers have historically been the doormat of the NBA and the team that no one wants to play for. They routinely hold a draft pick in the Lottery because they traditionally have a putrid season. They have made the playoffs twice since Blake Griffin has been alive and are arguably one of the worst franchises in sports. But is all of this in the process of changing?

This just in: the Clippers are a fun and exciting team to watch. At 15 – 25, they probably won’t make the playoffs this year but they have one of the best young cores in the league. On their 15 man roster, only four guys are in their 30’s with Jarron Collins (age 32) being the oldest. That youth has translated into them becoming a major draw in the Association.

Obviously, the reason that they have become such a draw is because of Blake Griffin. This man is an absolute animal. The 21-year old rookie is practically averaging 22 and 13 this year and definitely has All-Star numbers. Just mid-way through his first season, he is probably the most exciting player in the NBA. His play alone has made the Clipps relevant. He has also helped to resurrect the career of Baron Davis who is beginning to look like his old self now that he is throwing no-look lobs to Blake. Griffin just dropped 47 on the Pacers as part of his 27th consecutive double-double and will participate in the dunk contest next month.

But it’s not just Blake and Baron. Eric Gordon is probably the most improved player in the league, quietly averaging 24 a night. And don’t forget about DeAndre Jordan, Randy Foye and rookies Eric Bledsoe and Al-Farouq Aminu either. This team is set up nicely for the future.

The Clippers definitely aren’t a better team than the Lakers, although Blake and company just beat them the other night. Staples still belongs to the Lakers, but they have certainly underachieved this year. They have suffered some bad losses this year which has many people scratching their heads. Their somewhat lackluster play has allowed the Clippers to steal some of their shine out there in Hollywood.

If you were to ask me today, I’d say that the upstart Clippers are more exciting to watch than the Lakers. Not last year. Not tomorrow. Today. They Lakers are built for the playoffs and usually turn it on then. They appear to be cruising through the season while the young Clippers play a refreshing brand of ball. I’m willing to bet that I’m not the only one who is more interested in a Clippers SportsCenter highlight than one featuring the Lakers.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook