3 Reasons Lakers Are Still Better Than Clippers Despite Slew of Recent Moves

As the season comes to a close, the talk of the Western Conference is focused on the two powerhouses in Los Angeles. The Clippers have recently picked up Marcus Morris via a swap with the Knicks, and are expected to sign Reggie Jackson after he is bought out. The Lakers, on the other hand, stood pat with their team and failed to make any moves at the trade deadline. Rob Pelinka and Co. opted not to force their own hand and make a move, and while some fans may have been hoping for some sort of news, the team ultimately made the right decision.

Here are three reasons the Lakers will still come out victorious in the Western Conference, despite not matching Clippers in adding reinforcements at the deadline.

1. LeBron James and Anthony Davis Duo

New Orleans Pelicans v Los Angeles Lakers / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LeBron James is once again playing alongside a star who is a perfect fit with him. With Davis' ability to take over the offense, catch lobs and provide All-NBA defense, LeBron has a lot of pressure taken off of him. It's also allowed LeBron to excel as the primary ball-handler, which has opened up the Lakers' offense. With these two leading the charge, the team has the NBA Finals in its sights, and despite the Clippers stocking up on talent, there isn't a more fearsome duo in the league than these two.

2. Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson Don't Move the Needle

Atlanta Hawks v New York Knicks / Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson are certainly talented players, but even though the Lakers made no deadline moves, they still boast a bench unit on par with their inner-city rivals. Danny Green was an integral part of a championship team last season, JaVale McGee has been a brick wall in the paint and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has started to find his shot. While Jackson and Morris were by no means struggling, they will need time to adjust to their new roles, and don't provide as much two-way play as that of the Lakers' bench.

3. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Haven't Shared the Court Much

Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Clippers / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Load Management. Kawhi Leonard popularized this term. Leonard has played 42 of the Clippers' 55 games this year, while PG has appeared in 35. A championship team requires chemistry and recent reports revealed these two don't even practice together. This is a worrying thought, because getting through the gauntlet that is the West is not easy. While there hasn't been much issue on the court thus far, limits will be pushed in a seven-game playoff series, and we could start to see some cracks in their chemistry.