By Mitch Chortkoff

Sports Editor

Staples Center in Los Angeles is the only NBA arena shared by two teams.

The Lakers have been superior for many years but the Clippers are regarded as the better team this season, and they're flexing their muscles.

Coach Doc Rivers has decided to have the Lakers' championship banners and a tribute to their retired great players covered up for clipper home games.

That doesn't include the opening game of the new season Tuesday night because the Lakers are the home team. But Thursday night, when the Clippers play Golden State it will happen.

"He covered the banners?" said new Laker forward Nick Young. "That's disrespectful.

Naturally, the Clippers don't agree.

"When it's our home game why should the Lakers' banners be up?," asked Clipper star Blake Griffin. "On those nights it's our building. I think what Doc is doing is cool."

Says Rivers: "I have amazing respect for the Lakers but when we're the home team it's our building."

So, the argument is likely to continue.

Since the Lakers call Staples Center home do their banners merit a permanent place on the building's walls? Or do they only rent the building, just like the Clippers do, so they have no claim on Clipper nights?