Even though losing is nothing new with the Los Angeles Clippers, you got to feel for them this season. Not only did they lose the face of the franchise in Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, but all of their new superstars are injured and watching hopelessly from the bench.

When the Clippers went out and signed Baron Davis I thought they were on the right track to becoming a playoff team again. Davis has the uncanny ability to make any team better when he is running the point, but having Davis as their starter also has the downside of constant injuries.

The signing of Davis seemed to pave the way for things to come. In the NBA draft the Clippers were able to sign scoring machine Eric Gordon from Indiana who would be the future of the two guard position for the Clipps. Then there was the trade for Marcus Camby to replace the presence in the paint left vacant by Elton Brand. Finally there was New York Knicks deal which brought Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins to LA.

The Clippers seemed poised to make a run in the West, but then the injury bug hit the entire team by sidelining all the new Clippers and putting the team in the hands of rookie Eric Gordon.

Granted Gordon has played way beyond expectations thus far, but unfortunately it hasn't resulted in wins for the struggling franchise. Most of the Clippers starters are do to come back after the All Star break, but it might be too little too late for the Clippers to make a legit run at the 8th spot in the Western conference, but you never know!

The team just down the hall at the Staples Center on the other hand has played like they are ready to be NBA champs yet again. After the Boston Celtics exposed the Lakers lack of defensive intensity and toughness, Kobe Bryant and company new exactly what they had to do this season.

One of the problems the Lakers have had this season has been the progression of Andrew Bynum who hasn't been able to regain the dominance in the paint like he did before he went down a year ago.

That might be all in the past now after Bynum absolutely dominated the Clippers inside on Wednesday night. With a career high 42 points and 15 rebounds Bynum made us all remember the days of the Shaq and Kobe connection. The big kid just could not be stop in the paint and Kobe Bryant took advantage of by feeding the big fella in the paint all night long.

Kobe also had a huge night Wednesday with his 16th triple double of his career. Bryant did have a poor shooting night hitting only 5 of 15 from the floor, but he made up for it with 18 points, 12 assists and 10 boards.

Needless to say, it would be a safe bet to take the opposing team against the Clippers until they get healthy because they will not be getting the best of any above .500 team anytime soon.