The Clippers and Lakers held their annual Media Days last Monday and at first glance the Clippers look like they are the better team because they have a deeper, more proven roster. The Lakers still have the Big Three, but can they stay healthy, and like a friend of mine said, “Can someone coach Russell Westbrook.”

Staying healthy applies to every team sport but right now we a talking about the NBA. They have the smallest team rosters in professional sports so when an injury occurs, it’s magnified. “Availability is the most important thing in this league,” said LeBron James during media day.”

When it comes to availability the first Laker name that pops up is Anthony Davis. When James was asked about Davis being ready to play every night he said, “My expectation for AD is to be AD. I expect a lot out of him, and he expects a lot out of me.”

Clippers also have a problem with injuries to their star players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George but the biggest difference between the Lakers and Clippers is quality depth. The Clippers added John Wall to their roster in the off season and now they have 11 proven NBA players, the Lakers have five.

The Clippers first few regular season games are Thursday, October 20, at 7 p.m. against the Lakers, on the road on Saturday, October 22, against the Kings and Sunday, October 23, at home against the Suns at 7 p.m. The Clippers are coached by Tyronn Lue.

The Lakers first three games are against the Warriors, on Tuesday, October 18, in the Bay area, Thursday, October 20, against the Clippers at 7 p.m. and at home against the Trail Blazers on Sunday, October 23, at 12 p.m. The Lakers are coached by Darvin Ham.