Los Angeles Clippers Update: Predictions, Debts, and Pressure to Sell; Can the Team Survive the Controversy?

• Chad Arias
• Jul 22, 2014 07:46 PM EDT

• Sign up to receive the lastest news from LATINONE

If we had one guess, it would be that the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to wake up from the nightmare surrounding the controversy with owner Donald Sterling.

During the past few months, Sterling has fluctuated in his role; at points appearing to be completely out of the Clippers organization, only to file a lawsuit in an attempt to maintain ownership.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers has said numerous times that the players need to focus on themselves and what they can control on the court. The rest is up to the legal system.

The Clippers were quiet during free agency, flirting with Paul Pierce, while rumors swirled about a possible LeBron James deal. The Clippers picked up Spencer Hawes and Jordan Farmar, two veteran players who will shore up the second squad.

Doc Rivers believes that the secret ingredients to an NBA Finals appearance are already housed within the talents of the team. Team chemistry is improving, and with Doc Rivers entering his second year, his style of managing should be old hat with the players.

Blake Griffin has steadily improved each season he's been in the NBA. Griffin is adding shots to his resume, as well as working toward being a dominant player.

The infamous Chris Paul turnover against the Oklahoma City Thunder is sure to have haunted him the entire off-season. Look for Chris Paul to come back with a new brand of dedication that may correct mistakes from the past.

The only way that the Clippers can get over Donald Sterling is by succeeding on the court. Despite Sterling's racist comments and poor management, the Clippers have shown that they can fight through the controversy and focus on their jobs at hand.

Potential is always a double-edged sword. Every year analysts pick the Clippers to represent the West, but each time they come up short.

Former coach Vinnie Del Negro couldn't get the job done, so he was canned. Now the team is in River's hands, as fans expect the last hurdle to the NBA Finals to be met.

With no big off-season deals, the Clippers need to focus on in-house issues by harnessing their current talents. Hopefully the Donald Sterling lawsuit will be settled before the start of the season so the Clippers can come in fresh and ready for new year.