Is it Hip to be Clip?

Something strange is happening with LA Hoops. The Clippers are good. Not just good. Really really good.

Before the season started, you could tell the Clippers were going to be much improved. A line up with Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Sam Cassell, and Cuttino Mobley was probably going to be the best in Clipper history. Mike Dunleavy is an excellent coach. And Donald Sterling is finally investing in his franchise, by actually paying for free agents, and building essentials like a practice facility. While there are many who disagreed with me, I really felt the Clippers had the talent to make the playoffs this year.

But they're not just a playoff team. Despite losing a tough overtime battle with the Cavs, the Clippers are 10-5 and lead the Pacific Division. They look like a legitimate top team every night. And it's all happened while the Lakers are off to a sluggish 5-8 start.

So all of this begs the question... is it OK to start rooting for the Clippers? Is LA a Clipper city now? Is it Hip to Clip?

I've spent too much time up here hanging out with Jack Kent Cooke's and Chick Hearn's ghosts to not be a Laker fan. I feel like I'd be betraying my Laker loyalties to ever actively cheer for the Clippers, so I don't. But about the rest of you? Are you embracing the Clippers?