The Los Angeles Clippers will try to forget coming off of a dissipating season, yes another one, last year to try and make a playoff run in a weaker Western Conference this year. They have, and will continue to live under the shadows of the Los Angeles Lakers for years and this will be no different as they are coming off of stellar championship run last year. A lot will ride on the 1st overall pick of this years draft rookie Blake Griffin. Last years injuries to Chris Kaman and Baron Davis are long gone and these teams starting five could turn into something. Paring up in the backcourt with point guard Baron Davis is 2nd year man Eric Gordon who last year showed his prolific scoring ability with extensive minutes played due to injuries. If Davis can stay healthy, and mend the relationship with coach Mike Dunleavy, he is capable of leading this team to the playoffs just as he did the Golden State Warriors a few years back. Making up the front court is defensive stopper Marcus Camby who will now have a full training camp with the Clippers to gel after coming over from Denver mid season and really not adjusting well with his new team and role. Health however is also an issue with him. If he stays healthy Camby is capable of leading the league in rebounds and blocks. Al Thorton will man the small power forward position and he showed last year why. The bench is very impressive and deep which is key when you have a very fragile starting five. Leading the way is the streaky Ricky Davis alongside backup point guard Sebastian Telfair and backup center Chris Kaman. All three has been starters at some point in their careers so they will need to get adjusted, especially Kaman, coming off of the bench. Expectations are, and should be high for this team that certainly has the depth in their lineup to make a push for the8 spots in the west. There is no question that the Los Angeles Lakers will win the Pacific Division but this could be a sleeper team that can compete for a spot in the post season. Griffin is the preseason Rookie of the Year favorite and if he can deliver a solid season Los Angeles will have two teams to root for come the playoff time.