Chris Paul Trade: Los Angeles Clippers No Longer in the Shadow of the Lakers

After a whirlwind of rumors, speculation and even a deal that never passed, Chris Paul has finally been released from the bondage of a disparaged franchise.

The Los Angeles Clippers swooped in (or patiently negotiated) to get Paul less than a week after the star point guard was supposed to be lacing up the sneakers for the LA Lakers.

All of a sudden, it seems a wind of change, if not a strong gust, has come over the basketball scene on the West Coast. No longer are the Lakers the hot topic.

Enter the Clippers, suddenly the talk of the town, proud owners of what could be the best point guard in the game.

So with Paul and young superstar Blake Griffin joining forces in what will be by far the biggest move in the NBA offseason, is it safe to say there's competition for the top team in the City of Angels?

While they have not earned anything on the court as a team, it's safe to say the franchise once known as the red-headed step-child of the NBA is without a doubt close to being a contender, if not just as much of contender as their big brothers, the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Clips will  certainly have to deal with losing Eric Gordon, who they repeatedly tried to keep off of the deal, but eventually had to part ways with.

Center Chris Kaman was also part of the deal to New Orleans, but DeAndre Jordan should more than fill his void, as he did many a time in the starting role last season. I think he has a bright future in the Clippers' organization, a definite mainstay for many years ahead.

With Paul, Griffin, the newly-signed Caron Butler, Jordan and veteran Chauncey Billups, the Clippers clearly have the talent to go deep in the NBA playoffs.

But as we all know, there are many other qualities to a title team beyond sheer talent when it comes to determining champions from just another highly-skilled squad.

Along with what the recently surging Clippers have done, a certain twist has been added to this story. The Lakers should have had Paul, but instead, the cross-town bunch grabbed him. While it may not be prime material for a real rivalry to finally take place in LA, it certainly spices things up.

But with a leader like Paul, and a lightning-rod like Blake Griffin, to go with several other solid pieces, the Clippers have more than ascended onto the NBA powerhouse scene. LA better make room.