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Los Angeles Clippers or Lakers the better free agent destination?

By Daniel Lubofsky

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks from the side line to the officials during the second half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks from the side line to the officials during the second half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

3. Clippers have never won a championship

This is where the two teams start to diverge.

The Lakers currently have the second-most NBA championships in the league with 16, while the Clippers have never even advanced past the conference semifinals.

The Lakers have a history of winning. Playing underneath those 16 banners, there’s an aura that’s hard to explain, but easy to feel. Most people would assume that an NBA player would want to play for the team that has a history of producing winners, not one that’s been a laughingstock for most of its existence.

What most people wouldn’t consider though, is the weight of a possible championship with that team.

More from LA Clippers

It is a widely held belief that LeBron James’ only championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers is worth more than his two championships with the Miami Heat.

Why?

Because in Cleveland, he helped break a 52-year title drought for the city of Cleveland, while Miami had already tasted victory in 2006, and have had a winning culture ever since.

Winning a championship for the Lakers is great, but after 11 championships in 25 Finals appearances (the Minneapolis Lakers won five of those titles), the city of Los Angeles has been a part of plenty purple and gold celebrations.

Bringing a title to the Clippers organization would shift the balance of power in LA. Any player brave enough to lead that charge would instantly become a full-fledged celebrity and icon, even among the Lakers faithful.

Sure, X free agent could go to the Lakers, bring them a championship, and get a seat at the table reserved only for the Laker legends, or, they could bring a title to the Clippers and start their own table, with a seat exclusively for them.

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