Battle: LA

The unthinkable has happened! Let me explain what I am hinting at: no NBA player has ever won Finals MVP and left to join another team during the off-season, until now. Kawhi Leonard, the 2019 NBA Finals MVP, has officially left the Toronto Raptors to join the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency. Announced just hours after an earthquake with a 7.1 magnitude rocked eastern Los Angeles, “Kawhi watch” produced digital aftershocks sending new media sites into a frenzy. Putting all speculation to rest—FINALLY—sports insiders revealed Kawhi Leonard will sign a 4-year, /$142M maximum contract. But, this is not how the story ends.

Seconds later, another report drops stating that Paul George has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Oklahoma City Thunder has indeed traded George for a record-selection of picks: 5 future first-round picks and 2 swapped picks. Fans are shook. The entire NBA has been rattled. In an instant, the Los Angeles Clippers have become the favorites to win the championship. As it relates to relevancy, the Lakers no longer dominate. The spotlight must and will be shared with the Clippers. This makes for an interesting dynamic. Both teams still share the Staples Center and will meet 4 times throughout the NBA season.

The battle for Los Angeles is on!!!!!