Regardless of Chris Bosh's injuries or the trade deadline this season, their follow-up effects will not alter the pattern of the season. Only the team itself will experience issues.
The Clippers, as the most watched team, their first task is to maintain focus.
For small-market teams, this is simple.
If there isn't much entertainment off the court and the local media isn't too appealing, then naturally one wouldn't be distracted by things outside the game.
But playing in Los Angeles, that's extremely difficult.
A small incident, which might not draw any attention in other teams, would become significant and analyzed from various angles if it happens within the Los Angeles team.
Yu Fei ignored his teammates' calls.
Oh, the GOAT doesn't like him; he can't stay in the Clippers.
Yao Ming looks serious off the court.
Oh, Yao doesn't want to be a substitute anymore, when can we let him start?
Antetokounmpo and Jokić argue.
Oh, there is discord among the Clippers' youngsters.