Then there is the bench, where, on Tuesday night against Oklahoma City, the Clippers' best player was standing and directing like a coach, Chris Paul hobbled but not silenced. He was joined by a gesturing Ronny Turiaf, a preaching Chauncey Billups, a towel-waving Lamar Odom, everyone involved, everyone buying in. The Lakers bench may have a cheerleading Robert Sacre, but the Clippers have a half dozen of him.
From that Plaschke article. This is the difference. This is why the Lakers are losing with a hall of fame line up and my Clips are balling.
CHEMISTRY.
You have 12 guys that will go to war for each other. You're seeing it in Golden State as well. You see it in OKC.
Chris Paul, not Del Negro, has these guys buying in. That's the true definition of a leader.
That's what made Phil so great, makes Pops so great, Thibs. Their ability to manage personalities to get everyone to buy in.
If you look at the Lakers right now, they have none of that. It's not about X's and O's, its psychological.