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By: Branden Falco
The 2019-2020 has not disappointed to say the least. The era of “dynamic duos” has resurrected  as many stars in the league have paired up either via trade or free agency.

As the Lakers and the Bucks stand on top of their respective conferences, both teams are  favored to face off in the NBA Finals. In addition, the top two front runners for league MVP are on each of those two teams. LeBron James looks to hoist is 5th MVP trophy which would tie Michael Jordan. LeBron is not only leading his team to the best record in the tough West (41-12) but he is leading the league in assists with just shy of 11 per game alongside is 25+ points per game.

Out East, the Bucks young superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is the favorite at the half way mark to win his 2nd and back to back league MVP leading his team to the best record in the NBA (46-8). Currently, Giannis is 2nd in scoring averaging just over 30 points a game, while averaging double digit rebounds and also making himself a case for Defensive Player of the Year.

As those two superstars make their case for MVP, the real story of this season is the battle of LA: The Lakers vs. Clippers This summer, the reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard delivered the Raptors their first ever championship, then took his talents to the Lakers cross locker room rival, the Los Angeles Clippers. Former OKC Thunder Forward Paul George joined the Clippers as well. The Lakers and the Clippers squared up twice this season as the Clippers took both meetings.  

 

LeBron took heavy heat by the media in both meetings for two awful performances against the Clippers, going face to face against Kawhi Leonard who looks to secure the throne of “best player in the world” title. We all know the regular season is a stepping stone. It all comes down to May and June which it looks clear to be a Staples Center showdown.

The Clippers may have taken the edge in the regular season meetings so far, it’s hard to count out the King in the postseason especially with his new running mate in Anthony Davis. The Clippers definitely have the edge with a deeper and overall better roster. The Lakers need to use their size to their advantage because the Clippers struggle with rim protection, while the Lakers have 3 stud rim protectors in Javele McGee, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis.

The Clippers will struggle to match up with size, but the Clippers have a deeper bench and 4 stud perimeter defenders in 2x defensive player of the year in Kawhi Leonard, alongside with Paul George, Pat Beverley and Montrezl Harrell.

It’s a 3 legged race to the finals between the Bucks, Clippers, and Lakers. Who will win the championship? Stay tuned to find out.