NBA Preseason 2020: Lakers to Put Their New Signings on a Litmus Test Against Rivals LA Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers were almost sure to meet in the WC Finals 2020 when the Clippers lost their way. It dispirited the fans as they missed out on a possible playoff competition between the two franchises that share the same arena. 

However, when fate fails to pit them against one another, the league is always there to turn the tables. The two teams initially locked horns in the Orlando Bubble starter, and now, they’re ready to face-off in the preseason opener. One way or the other, it’s a fan favorite . 

Lakers’ new roster and their litmus test against the strong Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen ample changes in their very active off-season. Firstly, they traded Danny Green and the 2020 first-round pick to acquire Dennis Schroder.

Then, they attracted the attacking former Bucks player, Wes Matthews, for a one-year deal. Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka also ensured that Dwight Howard’s outgoing is balanced with big-man Marc Gasol’s incoming. 

In all these dealings, they’ve lost some of the key pieces that somewhere helped them win the 2020 title. The biggest names being Rajon Rondo (Hawks), Avery Bradley (Heat), JaVale McGee (Cleveland), and Quinn Cook.

However, the highlight of the off-season for them remained the hiring of a Sixth Man of the Year 2020, Montrezl Harrell. The former Clipper left his old home to join the Lakers in a 2-year, $19 million deal.

It will be interesting to see him going against his own men to make a statement. Overall, the new rotation for the Lakers must showcase how they’re better than the pieces lost.

Will LeBron James show up?

Ever since they released the 49-game and 9-day long NBA preseason 2020 tentative schedule, fans are raising questions on LeBron’s attendance. The Lakers will be playing the Clippers twice in the first three days, starting December 11. Then, on the 16th and 18th, they’ll play the Phoenix Suns as well.

Bron’s situation is a little tricky, considering how he is about to turn 36 in a month’s time. He played a tiring schedule (31 games including scrimmage) in the Orlando Bubble and deserves a decent rest before coming back for another grueling season. 

Earlier, it was assumed that Bron might not appear for a month after the 2020-21 season begins. However, it seems like he will show up against the Clippers to warm himself up after all.

Still, nothing can be said with surety unless LeBron James himself confirms his participation. Any which way, the fans are up and ready to watch the greatest of all time don the purple and gold and step onto the court.