The Los Angeles Clippers are a contender. There, I said it. After watching them dismantle the Lakers last night, I am convinced that something special is happening with LA's second team. Yes, it's only the first preseason game, but it wasn't so much what they did but how they did it. They can play D, have waves of shooters, and two of the best dunkers in the game. They have one of the deepest guard rotations I've ever seen--Randy Foye is their fifth guard--and any frontcourt with Blake Griffin in it is fun to watch. There is some serious chemistry brewing even at this early stage that reeks of destiny. Not saying they'll win it all, but they'll challenge for sure.

But why is this relevant on a Nets site? Two reasons. First, the Clippers and Nets share a long history of woe and of playing second fiddle in their regions. The Lakers are much more revered in LA than the Knicks are here. It will be interesting to see the inroads this exciting and talented team will make on the Laker fan base. It is something that will happen in Brooklyn when we become a contender. Second, the Lakers have to be concerned about how bad they looked. If they get thumped again on Wednesday, will they be more likely to toss the Magic whatever they want for Dwight? Bynum and Gasol are still formidable, and would certainly make the Magic a playoff team this season. It does not bode well for us.