After making their 32nd Finals appearance last month, the Los Angeles Lakers have a greater chance of making the Finals again next season than their biggest rivals do of winning a single game.
Yes, you read that right.
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Out of 74 seasons, the Purple and Gold have made 32 Finals appearances, meaning 43.2% of all their seasons have lasted at least until the last round of the playoffs.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have a total win-loss record of 1,659-2,383, which is about 41%.
Historically, the Lakers have been way more successful than their inter-city rival. With all those Finals appearances, 17 titles, and over 20 Hall-of-Fame players have suited up for them at some point, their franchise is defined by greatness, legacy, and success. They’ve got a fanbase that surpasses millions and stretches worldwide.
The Clippers haven’t been so lucky. They’ve never been to an NBA Finals and have one of the worst win-loss records by a franchise in basketball history.
With the acquisitions of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers were hoping to change all of that this past season. Unfortunately, they suffered defeat yet again and were forced to watch their big brother hold up the trophy for the 17th time.
Needless to say, they’ve got a lot to fight for next season as they seek redemption and validation as one of the league’s premier teams. Obviously, that mission will prove much easier said than done.
