Lakers vs. Clippers: What to Watch for in Second Epic Los Angeles Showdown

The city of Los Angeles is preparing to get its second taste of the newly-created Clippers and Lakers rivalry, but will have to do so knowing that Kobe Bryant will not be a part of it.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Bryant is out with a torn right wrist ligament, which will prove to make a world of difference in tonight's matchup. 

The first game between the two teams ended with the Clippers defeating the Lakers 114-95. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin may have stolen the show from the Bryant-led Lakers the first time around, but will there be a similar outcome this time?

Given the Lakers will not be a Bryant-led team tonight, it is certainly feasible to think so.

Both teams are sporting new-look rosters. Regardless of whether recent transactions have been for the better or worse of the organization, tonight we get a second glimpse at what to expect from these two teams as we move closer to opening day.

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul Pick-and-Roll

Paul and Griffin will undoubtedly explore their current level of chemistry further in the second meeting against the Lakers, but specifically look for them to work on the pick-and-roll.

It is of the utmost importance for Griffin to develop at least a mid-range game. Paul is one of the best pick-and-roll partners in the game, and he should be able to help Griffin extend his range within it.

Will it be pretty? At times, when Griffin has a clear path to the basket, perhaps yes. When he is forced to work on his jumper, probably not.

But this isn't about being perfect the second time around. It's about developing a comfort zone so that these two stars can lead their team past the Lakers in the regular season.

A Physical DeAndre Jordan and Andrew Bynum Matchup

The Andrew Bynum and DeAndre Jordan matchup is intriguing for a few reasons.

For one, don't expect Jordan to block four shots again. If anything, look for him to have a tougher time in the low post, specifically against Bynum. 

Bynum is 20 pounds heavier than Jordan and is going to make it even more difficult for the offensively-limited center to score this time around. Jordan only managed to score six points in 27 minutes of action the last time around.

Both athletes love to play physical defense and will attempt to put a beating on each other during each possession. Expect a much more physical battle down low in Wednesday night's second meeting.

Also, don't be surprised to see more preseason technical fouls called.

Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups Run Rampant in the Backcourt

If Bryant is underrated in any facet of the game, it's defense.

Bryant is can be a lockdown perimeter defender, an attribute the Lakers will sorely miss as they watch Billups and Paul wreak from the outside. Steve Blake is inept on defense and Darius Morris is just too raw to make an impact.

Paul and Billups combined for 40 points in the teams' first meeting, but don't be shocked to see that total increase. Without Bryant, the Lakers officially have no one on the docket who gives them a fighting chance at containing Paul or Billups.

It's going to be a long night for the Lakers in the backcourt.

Clippers Win Again

The Clippers are a younger and faster team than the Lakers, and under the current circumstances, expect another victory on their end.

Youth plays a big role in the preseason, especially after an extended offseason. Bryant—were he playing—and company need time to get the blood flowing and ease back into the action. Griffin and Paul, on the other hand, are young, sprightly and ready to go from the first whistle.

Are we in for another blowout on the Clippers' end? Perhaps, given that Bryant will not be playing, but don't expect the Lakers to roll over either.

The fact here is the Clippers are on cloud nine right now with the recent additions they have made. Each new piece is eager to prove his worth to the organization and is enjoying a stable atmosphere. The same cannot be said of the Lakers.

Bryant will now be absent from the lineup, and the team is missing a legitimate weapon in Odom. Let's also not neglect to mention that the rest of the team has no idea whether they are going to be in purple and gold tomorrow or the next day.

Gasol will certainly rise above it, but can the rest?

All of these factors come into play, and as of right now, they all favor the Clippers. Will this be the case when games actually matter, and Bryant is involved?

We'll just have to wait and see.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter @Dan_Favale.