Preseason Preview: Los Angeles Lakers Versus Los Angeles Clippers

The preseason officially begins for the Los Angeles Lakers this Monday, and it couldn't come against a more fitting opponent than the Los Angeles Clippers. These two teams have grabbed headlines the last two weeks and will start their newly-established rivalry on the hardwood and under the bright lights of STAPLES Center.

Granted, this is the preseason, but all eyes will be focused on L.A. this Monday night.

Date: Monday, December 19, 2011

Time: 7:30 PM PST

Location: STAPLES Center (Lakers Home Game)

TV: NBA TV (National), Prime Ticket (Local)

Projected Starting Lineups:

Los Angeles Lakers		Los Angeles Clippers
PG	Derek Fisher	PG	Chris Paul
SG	Kobe Bryant	SG	Chauncey Billups
SF	Matt Barnes	SF	Caron Butler
PF	Pau Gasol	PF	Blake Griffin
C	Andrew Bynum	C	DeAndre Jordan

Storylines

Where to start with this one. After an NBA shakedown at the hands of David Stern, Chris Paul has finally landed in Los Angeles to wear Clipper red, white and blue. Chris Paul will match up against starter Derek Fisher, the very individual responsible for crafting the labor agreement that enabled Paul to be relocated out West.

Pau Gasol aims to prove doubters wrong, including his own GM, by starting off the season strong and recapturing the elite form Laker fans have been accustomed to seeing from this first-class player. He'll have his hands full with poster child and Lob City Resident Mayor Blake Griffin.

Andrew Bynum will play in the Lakers' two preseason games before returning to the pine for a five-game suspension to start the regular season. Drew has impressed his coaches and the media with his exceptional conditioning and fitness at training camp, and is poised for a breakout year.

Kobe Bryant figures to play limited minutes in this preseason meeting. Despite facing the Clippers, the team that has recently stolen the media thunder out from under the Lakers, Bryant scoffed when reporters asked this week about any added significance behind Monday's game.

[Jim Mora Voice] Preseason? Preseason? You're talking about, Preseason?

Kobe's head is in the right place, even if recent off-the-court events might serve as a distraction. I'll allow you to visit TMZ.com for any storylines regarding his off-the-court marital transitioning. I'll stick to basketball.

The Lakers should see plenty of new faces debut Monday, particularly recent free agent acquisitions Jason Kapono, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy, who was just signed to a veteran's minimum contract by the Lakers yesterday. 

Murphy and McRoberts, who both played together for the Indiana Pacers, will add depth to the Lakers' frontcourt. The two give the team a different look, able to step out for deep range jumpers and provide constant activity on both sides of the glass.

The Lakers will also showcase second-round draft pick Darius Morris, who impressed while running with the second unit during the Lakers intrasquad scrimmage on Friday. Mike Brown is sure to give Derek Fisher plenty of rest tomorrow, providing Darius with ample time to shine.

The future is now for D-Mo. Get excited.

Devin Ebanks is also slated for significant playing time, aiming to fill part of the offensive production left by Lamar Odom. The Lakers, particularly Kobe, have been high on Ebanks this training camp.  

Ebanks was another pleasant surprise from Friday's scrimmage, showing great confidence and scoring ability. At 6'9'', Ebanks should see time at both SG and SF for the Lakers this season.

What's Ahead

The Los Angeles Lakers will meet the Clippers two days later for their final preseason game Wednesday, December 21, at STAPLES Center. The regular season begins Sunday, December 25, versus the Chicago Bulls in the Lakers' Christmas Day Classic.

UPDATE: Mike Brown is considering sitting Derek Fisher for Monday's preseason game to allow him more rest before the season begins Sunday. Steve Blake would get the start if Fish sits.