NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers vs. Clippers, Who Will Get Chris Paul and Dwight Howard

The chances are likely that you can't remember the last time the Los Angeles Clippers were in heavy competition with the Los Angeles Lakers. The balance of order had the Lakers as the superior team in L.A. over the three decades, but that may soon change as the Clippers are set to challenge their L.A. counterparts in order to obtain Chris Paul and/or Dwight Howard.

For the first time in a long time, the Clippers will be looking to make a huge move over the next year as they look to potentially sign one or both of next years top free agents. With Paul already showing interest and the team having a number of players that they could send in return to New Orleans, the Clippers have begun to make their impression felt in the rumor mill with one of the most significant names.

They're not going to stop there either as they'll also be looking to make a strong push for Dwight Howard as well, according to ESPN NBA Insider Chris Broussard.

The Clippers are ready to trade away anyone on the team not named Blake Griffin in order to obtain at least one of the two and that could mean Eric Gordon, Mo Williams, Chris Kaman and DeAndre Jordan possibly being on the move.

As long as the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets are willing to make a deal without making too much of a fuss over Griffin, then a deal between the two could be possible.

Of course, nothing can be that easy for the Clippers as their big brother in the Lakers will also be looking to obtain not one, but both of the players. The Lakers have just as much appeal as the Clippers and they also have the stronger trade chips with everyone on the team not named Kobe Bryant set to be offered up in return for Howard or Paul.

While the New York Knicks are serious players for the talents of Paul with CP3 feeling the same way, they pale in comparison to what teams like the Clippers and Lakers could give away in return. The only way the Knicks would be able to obtain Paul without having to wait until next year's free-agency period is for them to include a third party that would then send a superstar or a few role players to the Hornets.

For some reason, Landry Fields, Toney Douglas and Chauncey Billups just doesn't seem to compare to what the Clippers and Lakers are set to offer for the two top free agents of 2012.

It is going to be an intense race between these Los Angeles based franchises with the Lakers attempting to save their franchise before Kobe Bryant gets his retirement on and the Clippers attempting to start a dynasty by combining the exploits of one or both free agents with the high flying, aerial assaults of Blake Griffin.

Each team has their advantages in specific departments, but which team would be able to actually convince these players to play with their teams?

The Clippers do have a strong case despite being the Los Angeles Clippers. The franchise hasn't seen that much success since their inception in the league as the Buffalo Braves, but they may very well be on their way after witnessing the exploits of Griffin and witnessing just what he was capable of.

After only one year, Griffin has already been rated amongst the league's best players after averaging 22 points and 12 boards per while leading the team to their best record since 2007.

If Griffin were to develop a consistent jump shot as well as learning how to play solid defense, there could be an argument for him to win the MVP in the near future when based on the influence he could have on this team.

Of course, that MVP talk may be dispelled of once Chris Paul and/or Dwight Howard joins the team and steals some votes away from the power forward.

Not only do the Clippers have the appeal of having Griffin, they also have the benefit of having a great deal of funds. The team is currently $14 million under the salary cap which means that one of these players could very well sign a max deal with the Clippers unlike it Laker-land where the team is $40 million over the salary cap and would have a struggle signing one of these players even if they send out Gasol and Bynum.

So in terms of a brighter future and money, the Clippers actually have the advantage over the Lakers in some significant departments. The team has constantly been in the shadow of their purple and gold brethren and watching the countless Laker fans celebrate wins on the Staples Center floor, no matter which team is considered the home team, may have just been the straw to break the camels back.

Of course, obtaining CP3 and/or Howard won't be as easy as it sounds for the Clippers as the Lakers also have their fair share of reasons to offer on why they should join the team, and it all starts with the franchises' name and just what it means to the NBA world.

Unlike the Los Angeles Clippers name which only makes you think of failure and longtime disappointment, the only thing synonymous with the Los Angeles Lakers name is success and winning.

It would be nice for Paul or Howard to being their own winning tradition with the Clippers, but the idea of carrying on the historic Lakers name of success and victory and following in the foot steps of the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant sounds much better.

Speaking of Bryant, did I mention that these two would have the benefit of playing with him for at least three more productive seasons if they were to sign prior to the start of this year? Kobe may be aging quick and his ailments may not be healing up as quick as they used to, but winning now is always a possibility with Kobe and that could mean a championship in the near future for CP3 and Dwight.

Let's not forget about that overall appeal in joining a team like the Lakers. For every aspiring basketball player that envisions being in the NBA, they have to consider the thought of playing for a prestigious franchise like the Lakers.

Compared to the front office of the Clippers that has been in shambles with Donald Sterling leading the way, the Lakers showcase class and flash and are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

In fact, Sterling may just drive Howard and Paul away from the Clippers as the owners' exploits as being a possible racist may deter these two and instead send them to play for a capable owner in Jerry Buss of the Lakers.

Another idea that gives the Lakers the advantage is the fact that they're openly pursuing both players and will be aiming to have Chris Paul as their point guard and Dwight Howard as center which would mean championship contention for as long as the players remain relevant and on the same team.

The Lakers do seem to have a number of advantages with their name being the main reason as to why CP3 and Howard would be heading to that side of Los Angeles, but let's not rule out the Clippers who still have the advantage of having youth and spending room on their side which is always a considerable option for free agents when they weigh their options.

Either way, at least one of these teams are going to be extremely disappointed come the end of the 2012 offseason.