Kawhi Is Here!

by Diaz Mackie

10.25.2019   Coming into this NBA season, I truly thought that LeBron would instantly put his stamp on this season, reclaiming his seat as the best player in the league. The season is young & perhaps he still will do just that. In fairness, I must admit I’ve been LeBron bias for most of his career. I’ve been a hater. I’m from Detroit & he was a division rival & my loyalty runs deep. I hated Jordan also in his day for the same reason. The ONLY times I ever rooted for Jordan in the finals,  is whenever they played Utah. I hated Utah and Boston for my own reasons. I say all of that to say this... I do believe that I was wrong. 

   I believe LeBron’s time as top-dog on the court, is over. Giannis is a great player, but it’s not him either. KD, if he comes back to old form, the beast also and also not him. Kyrie and Steph, not them. Harden, nope, but I dislike his game, being honest. Kawhi, YES! He has no flaws in his game.

   During free agency, I hoped and prayed that Kawhi would go to Los Angeles and play for the Clippers. The storyline is as if written by an Hollywood screenwriter. The “Prodigal Son” returning home, playing for the “Little Brother”, “JV” team instead of the glamorous Lakers. Leading the Clippers to a championship and supplanting the Lakers, while reigning over the NBA. Great story line, right? The drama between houses & personal battle between Kawhi and LeBron head up.

   “King James”, from Cleveland , not fully embraced by his new house, still trying to earn their approval. All while standing in the shadows of giants, Magic and Kobe. Kawhi’s personality on the court, machine-like. 

  However, there’s a piece of his personality that I didn’t notice. Kawhi currently has a new commercial airing for New Balance. In the commercial Kawhi is driving an old school drop-top 1967 Chevy Impala (the car Ice Cube drives in his “Good Day” video), they zoom in on his keys in the ignition & there’s just a CROWN. A direct shot at LeBron. Then the commercial has a sign saying “Kawhi Town”. Kawhi WANTS to directly take it to LeBron as the “Prodigal Son” for the throne of not just the NBA, but the kingdom of Los Angeles.

   Kawhi seems to have a natural dislike for “King James”. Tuesday night may have been the gasoline on the fire. Leonard who rarely speaks, grabbed the mic to welcome the fans to the start of the 2019-2020 NBA season. It was a home game for Kawhi and the Clippers, but they were playing “Big Brother” the Los Angeles’ Lakers, LeBron and newly acquired Anthony Davis.  The Lakers share the Staples Center and has championship banners all over the building. 

   Tuesday night something happened that I and I truly believe, nor did Kawhi expect. The crowd booed Kawhi as he greeted the fans, for there were more Laker fans in attendance than Clipper fans. I can see that adding that extra chip on Kawhi’s shoulder for the remainder of this year. Giving him more reason to go after LeBron and the Lakers. Solidifying the fate of the NBA and directly the Lakers and LeBron James. Naming claims to Los Angeles as his throne and presenting a new generation Clipper Nation as Los Angeles premier team. The battle for L.A.

   However as fore mentioned, I could be wrong, but it makes for a great storyline. This season should definitely be exciting and it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

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