The Los Angeles Clippers are the hottest team nobody's talking about - and they just reminded the Lakers who runs Los Angeles right now.

The Clippers dismantled their crosstown rivals 112-104 at the Intuit Dome, extending their scorching run to 14 wins in their last 17 games. This isn't a fluke anymore. This is a team that's figured it out.

Ivica Zubac was a monster in the middle - 18 points, 19 rebounds, 10 offensive boards. When your center is grabbing 10 offensive rebounds, you're imposing your will. Kawhi Leonard added 24 points in his return from a knee contusion. James Harden controlled the game with 18 points and 10 assists despite shooting struggles.

But it was the collective effort that stood out. Kobe Sanders dropped 11. Jordan Miller added 14. John Collins chipped in 13. This is what depth looks like.

The Lakers, meanwhile, got 32 from Luka Dončić and 23 from LeBron James, but it wasn't enough. When your two stars combine for 55 and you still lose by 8, that's a team problem.

Here's the thing about the Clippers' run: they started the season 20-24, looking like another disappointment. Injuries piled up. Chemistry was off. The new arena felt cursed.

Then something clicked. They started defending. They started sharing the ball. They started believing.

14-of-17 doesn't happen by accident. That's a team that's locked in, playing with purpose, and making every possession matter.

Are they a championship contender? It's too early to say. But they're playing like a team that believes they can be. And in the NBA, belief is half the battle.

The Clippers might not win the West. But they're going to make life miserable for whoever tries to go through them.

That's what sports is all about, folks.