6
Los Angeles Clippers (32-50)
When it comes to trying to predict each team's 2011-12 performance, there is no bigger wild card than the Clippers. First, let's stipulate that Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are a match made in hoops heaven, and that newly re-signed center DeAndre Jordan has a skill set very reminiscent of Tyson Chandler's back when Paul formed a special bond with Chandler at both ends of the court in New Orleans. There is plenty of additional firepower among newcomers Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups, plus Mo Williams. But to land Paul, the Clippers sacrificed depth everywhere except point guard. Who can defend at shooting guard? And there is nothing in his history to indicate that coach Vinny Del Negro is ready for the prime-time scrutiny that comes from such a marquee roster in a town like L.A.
7
Los Angeles Lakers (57-25)
Whom do Lakers fans hate worse at this point, commissioner David Stern or general manager Mitch Kupchak? Barring the acquisition of another All-Star without sacrificing both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, the Chris Paul and Lamar Odom trade fiascos have given Kobe Bryant his worst supporting cast in five years as he enters a compressed season at the age of 33. However highly one thinks of Mike Brown, he's no Zen Master. And while Josh McRoberts was a nice pickup, the Lakers' biggest weakness last season, perimeter defense, hasn't been addressed.
