As the Los Angeles Lakers stumble through a 1-3 run, the narrative in the basketball world is shifting towards a team that’s been quietly dominating the scene the Los Angeles Clippers. Amidst the Lakers’ travails, on his show, Stephen A. Smith asserted that there was an even better team in Los Angeles than the Lakers—exceptionally the red-hot Clippers, who are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak.

As the Clippers continue to dominate, questions about the Lakers’ scoring ability and defensive prowess surface, The answer to these queries becomes increasingly evident as the Clippers emerge as the superior team.

James Harden and the rise of the Clippers

In the recent episode, Smith couldn’t help but divert the spotlight to the Clippers, a team that has found its rhythm with an impressive string of victories. Smith said on his show, “I have to talk about the Los Angeles Clippers. You know why? Because they’re on fire. They’ve now won eight straight games. The Clippers appear to be the number one threat to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference. I got to tell you something right now: the best team in Los Angeles is the Clippers.

This synergy multiplies the Clippers’ threat level, with Smith suggesting that the combination of Leonard’s defensive prowess, George playing aggressively like crazy on his teammates, especially Harden’s mad scoring ability, then we have to admit that they are the No. 1 contender in this year’s Western Conference.

Read More: 5x NBA Champion Shuns “Embarrassing” Gesture Amid the Lakers’ First-Time Accolade Celebration

Examining the Lakers’ recent woes, he challenged the team’s ability to attack and defend, finally declaring that it is plain that the Clippers have become a superior club in Los Angeles.

NBA Power Rankings highlight LA Lakers, Clippers fluctuating fortunes

Last week the evolving scene of NBA power rankings had two Los Angeles giants cutting opposite ways. The LA Lakers (15-11) found themselves on a difficult stretch after their monumental victory of winning the NBA Cup.

Additionally, the Lakers lost a close one to the Mavericks, despite being impressive on defense with their 8th-place defensive rating. LeBron James strategically sat out a game, securing a win, while Anthony Davis’ absence in the following match resulted in a loss against the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers are in 8th place in the Western Conference this season, but they know enough to save their best guys for what is expected to be a run at the championship.

WATCH THIS STORY: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal’s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the “Surreal” Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

However, the Los Angeles Clippers (15-10) emerged over the back, moving up to 9th place with a seven-game winning streak. They took down the Nuggets, Kings, Knicks, and reigning champs (the Warriors twice) showing resilience and a newfound synergy. The return of Paul George from injury was decisive. He combined well with the harmony between the veteran stars. James Harden had already adapted to his new role as a point guard and third scorer and helped further the Clippers’ revival.