The thing about having two teams in one state is that a rivalry is bound to be present. And while many continue to lay claim there isn't, it seems there are others who believe that there is actually something brewing.
And one of those people who believe that is sophomore Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle.
The battle for Los Angeles will take place on Christmas Day at the Staples Center and there will be, apparently, something more at stake — bragging rights.
Barring any more freak injuries on his end, Randle could be playing his first game on Christmas Day with the Lakers. Imagine Randle sizing up and jockeying against Blake Griffin? Now, that is something to look forward to.
Of course, Randle will be at a disadvantage once he does go up against the veteran frontline of the Los Angeles Clippers. On paper, it is obvious that the Clippers are the more talented, not only in manpower but perhaps in chemistry as well.
Still, that doesn't seem to daunt Randle and the rest of the Lakers. Also, the Lakers will most likely have an idea of their fate by that time, with the team having played 29 games already by that time.
Rematch? That will take about a month to happen with the Lakers facing the Clippers once more on Jan. 29, 2016.
For the Lakers, it may be one of the many tests they have to endure. Have they really gotten over the hump after two forgettable seasons? Who will star on Christmas Day?
The tiff is one of many blockbuster games set on Christmas Day. Aside from the battle in Los Angeles, the Golden State Warriors will host the Cleveland Cavaliers; the New Orleans Pelicans will visit the Miami Heat; the OKC Thunder will receive the Chicago Bulls; and the Houston Rockets will accommodate the San Antonio Spurs.
From the looks of it, the NBA has lined up a perfect lineup of games to give NBA fans a cool treat on Dec. 25.
