The Hollywood star power fueling the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers makes them the favorites to win the Western Conference and hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy when the novel coronavirus-hit NBA season crowns its champion in Orlando, analysts said. LeBron James' first place Lakers held a 5.5 game lead over Kawhi Leonard's Clippers when the season was brought to an abrupt halt on March 11 due to the pandemic. The Lakers and Clippers will face off in prime time on Thursday and all eyes will be on James, Leonard and their formidable supporting casts.