Lakers vs. Clippers: Who has the edge at each position?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers controls possession of the ball in front of LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers late in the fourth quarter in a 112-102 Clipper win during the LA Clippers season home opener at Staples Center on October 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images /

Power Forward

Anthony Davis will play a fair amount of center for the Lakers in the postseason, but the majority of his minutes during the regular season will come at the power forward position. He’ll be backed up by two solid options in the form of Markieff Morris and Kyle Kuzma.

For the purposes of this exercise, the projected Clippers starter at the four is Marcus Morris. During the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard will toggle down to this spot for long stretches. Patrick Patterson will also soak up some backup minutes at forward during the regular season if all goes according to plan.

Davis is one of the top big men in the NBA regardless of which spot on the floor he’s asked to play. He’s a sublime defender capable of protecting the rim and stopping opponents on the perimeter. On offense, he’s a nightmare to defend in the post and he’s more than capable of stepping out on the perimeter and stretching the floor with his smooth jumper.

He can overwhelm anyone the Clippers try to put on him. Morris has the bulk to slow him down on the low block, but he lacks the mobility to handle him in space. Davis can also completely shut him down on the other end of the floor.

This is arguably the biggest mismatch between the two Los Angeles teams. Davis gives the advantage to the Lakers in a big way.

Edge: Big win for the Lakers

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