Los Angeles is a city built off of selling images and erecting brands.
But if you ask any movie star what the city's most concerned with, the answer is simple: "what have you done for me lately?" Given that obsession, L.A.'s preeminent sports franchise has reason to be concerned.
Only eight months ago, following their preseason acquisitions of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, the Lakers branded themselves "Showtime 2.0."
Your @NBA Preview Issue is here: Featuring @SteveNash & @DwightHoward. Story by @SI_LeeJenkins. http://t.co/wxOC8LPi pic.twitter.com/FvZSeQik
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 24, 2012
And then time reminded Kobe Bryant that he’s 34: 
Meanwhile across the gym, the perpetual kid brother Clippers assembled Dunk City: population DeAndre Jordan. 
And in a stunning reversal of fortune, the titleless Clippers wrangled away NBA champion coach Doc Rivers to prevent Chris Paul for publicly beheading Blake Griffin for dogging it on defense.
Doc Rivers greeted by President Andy Roeser upon his arrival at #Clippers Training Center this morning. #WelcomeDoc pic.twitter.com/8VDRqAxJHM
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) June 26, 2013
Meanwhile, on Figueroa, the 16-time champion Lakers are reduced to this:
Anyone driven down Figueroa by @STAPLESCenter today? #STAYD12 pic.twitter.com/pC0aZbg28d
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 26, 2013
SMH indeed, DeAndre.
