Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Bold predictions for season opener

With the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers tipping off their 2017-18 seasons Thursday night, it only seems right to make a few bold predictions for the rivalry’s latest showdown.

The wait is over. It’s that time of the year. The 2017-18 NBA campaign is officially under way as the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers meet Thursday night in a matchup between crosstown foes. Unlike years past, this battle carries plenty of intrigue.

For the Lakers, they’ll be debuting their shiny new rookie Lonzo Ball, who figures to light the NBA on fire this season. It’ll also be our first look at recent additions like Brook Lopez and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who should both have little trouble making unmistakable impacts throughout the 2017-18 campaign.

As for the Clippers, we’ll get our first regular-season glimpse at their revamped lineup. Following the departure of Chris Paul, this entire roster has a whole new look. Blake Griffin is now the top dog, but new players like Danilo Gallinari, Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic figure to make their presences felt on a nightly basis.

Either way, this is going to be a great opener for both clubs as they look to prove they’re worth taking seriously in the deadly Western Conference.

Related Story: Predicting 3 Lakers who won't be around in 2018

With that in mind, here are my five bold predictions for Thursday night’s showdown between the Lakers and Clippers. It’s going to be a good one that should see plenty of points, highlight passes and thunderous dunks.