The Battle for Los Angeles: Lakers and Clippers 2014-15 Starting Lineup Comparison

The 'Battle for Los Angeles' began when the NBA broke up a trade that would have sent superstar Chris Paul to the Lakers.

With the NBA dissolving the deal, Paul found a home with the other LA team, the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul has helped shift their losing paradigm, turning them into a constant contender.

The Clippers have been soft on off-season acquisitions, while the Lakers have sought to make deep improvements. Though they were not able to attract a franchise player, the Lakers seem to be in a better place than they were last season.

We've made some projections as to what the two teams starting lineups will be, in order to match up a head-to-head comparison.

PG

The Lakers acquired Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets, who were seeking to unload his seemingly high priced salary. With a salary of more than $8 million a year, the Lakers are going to start Jeremy Lin.

The Clippers will naturally be starting their franchise player, Chris Paul. Paul was effective in last year's playoffs, although there was a crucial turnover that sealed the Clippers fate.

As arguably the best point guard in the league, the Clippers have the edge.   

SG

It's unclear if Kobe Bryant will retain his shooting guard position or be moved to small forward. With Nick Young getting a good-sized contract, we'll assume that Kobe will stay in his shooting guard role.

J.J. Reddick was dealing with injuries last season, but he began to rekindle his shot in the playoffs. Reddick is a great shooter but his driving and post up abilities fail in comparison to Kobe. The Lakers have the edge in the shooting guard department.

SF

Having Kobe and Nick Young on the floor at the same time would seem to counteract one another's identities. Both players fire up a slew of shots, but with no other viable option at the small forward slot, we'll assume that Young will become a starter.

The Clippers have always had a weakness at small forward; no offense to Matt Barnes. Barnes is 34, and while he has the ability to put up double-digits points, his true calling is on defense.

With the high-powered offense of Young versus the tenacious defense of Barnes, we're going to say that the Young has the edge.

PF

It's likely that Julius Randle will come off the bench in his first season of play. Carlos Boozer expects to be a starter due to his size and offense. The Clippers are going to start Blake Griffin, which pretty much ends the conversation.

Griffin is the premiere NBA star and with his improvements compounding over the last few years.

The 'Battle for Los Angeles' began when the NBA broke up a trade that would have sent superstar Chris Paul to the Lakers. With the NBA dissolving the deal, Paul found a home with the other LA team, the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul has helped shift their losing paradigm, turning them into a constant contender.

C

The Lakers are paying Jordan Hill $9 million a year, which could be considered too high of a price. With their investment in Hill and Boozer, it's clear that the Lakers are looking to have both players on the floor at the same time. Hill could be moved to the center position.

The Clippers will be starting DeAndre Jordan at center. Jordan continues to improve and as a dominant rim force. The edge goes to Jordan.