Clippers, Lakers could be kissing playoffs goodbye

So, a few days ago, all looked fantastic in Lakers-Clippers land. The Lakers had a 3-1 series lead over Denver. The Clippers had a 3-1 series lead over Memphis. Now...

Do you feel the sense of dread in the air? That little tickle in the back of your brain that says “This won’t end well”?

The Lakers-Nuggets series is tied 3-3. The Clippers still lead Memphis, 3-2, but let’s face it, the Clippers are lucky to have three wins and could easily have lost this series in five games.

For the Lakers, Pau Gasol is displaying all the characteristics of that Tupac Shakur “hologram” from a couple of weeks ago. He seems real, looks real, but there’s really nothing physical there and he has all the solidity of a cloud of smoke. Kobe can’t do everything by himself. The Nuggets have all the momentum now, and Game 7 could easily end up being the last game the Lakers play this season. And even if they do win, does anyone really think they will win the title after their performance in this series?

For the Clippers, Blake Griffin is hurt. And even if he plays Friday night, you know a knee injury has to play with his mind just a little, considering it was a knee injury that sidelined him for all of his first season with the team. Paul has an injured hip, not good for a point guard who cuts and slashes.

In a few days, we all might be wondering “What happened?”

But don’t worry. If the Lakers and Clippers are eliminated soon, we always have the Kings.

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Clippers, Lakers could be kissing playoffs goodbye