Our weekly look at four topics — players, issues, numbers, trends — that are impacting and, in some cases, changing the game. First Quarter: Yep, the Clippers are legit It's not May and championships aren't won on Christmas Day, but the fourth quarter of the heavyweight bout between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers confirmed one big thing and revealed another that will have to be addressed. That is, assuming we all get our wish and get seven glorious games featuring the West powers.