The Los Angeles Clippers have definitely been doing good this season with a record of 10-6 this season and are third in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers have gotten the better of the Lakers in the two pre-season games and have a 1-1 record with the Lakers in the regular season with one more game to go to decide the series.

The Clippers were really able to change their fortunes after picking Blake Griffin first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. However, Griffin injured his knee and had to sit out his rookie season with constant talk about the Clippers jinx haunting the franchise. But, he came back for a great season in 2010 and now with the addition of Chris Paul and Caron Butler along with veteran guard Chauncey Billups the Clippers appear to have turned the corner.

The Clippers really haven’t had many great players in their franchise history and from what Kobe has to say they now have a great player in Chris Paul in addition to the explosive Blake Griffin. But has it become a real rivalry? Looking at the sixteen championships banners on the ceiling of the Staples, I really think it comes down to that. The Clippers have to start winning rings for their games with the Lakers to come anywhere close to the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.

For now the Lakers are firmly ahead and really don’t acknowledge the Clippers. Pau Gasol even questioned the Clippers relatively easier schedule so far. At the same time, there has been some tension in the games like the time when Matt Barnes shoved Blake Griffin for what he felt was Griffin’s flopping. Conversely, the Lakers have also brushed aside comments about the Clippers being more exciting with their dunks and alley-oops by stating that it’s about winning. I wonder how things will be come playoff time in Los Angeles.

Check out Bill Plaschke’s article and the interesting events that happened between Chris Paul and Pau Gasol during Wednesday’s game.