Where does the fault lie?

"Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers."

Los Angeles is usually considered one of the epicenters of the NBA landscape. The Lakers have established not one but two dynasty periods throughout its storied history, combining sizzle and substance the likes of which has never been seen sans the Michael Jordan era of the 1990s. The late Dr. Jerry Buss was the beloved owner, and from Magic to Kobe, this franchise has made Showtime an iconic definition which is the envy of organizations not only in basketball, but in sports.

The Los Angeles Clippers, on the other hand, has been nothing short of a laughingstock since they moved to the city of angels from San Diego. Two words: Donald Sterling. Two more words: 'Enough said. Bad drafts + bad management = $2billion price tag. It took the drafting of a once-in-a-generation highlight machine in Blake Griffin and a vetoed trade by then NBA Commissioner David Stern to bring All-Star PG Chris Paul to the other side of the Staples Center.

As the Clippers have become the commercial darlings of the NBA with their recent success, the Lakers have had a reversal of misfortune since the passing of the late Dr. Buss. The reigns of the franchise have been handed over to his children Jeanie and Jim Buss, and with an aging Kobe Bryant, Showtime has turned into "No-Time" as they have had their worst seasons in back-to-back years ever. It has created angst among the fan base, and a push to expedite the growing process back to prominence. However, the results of the 2015 free agency period have spoken volumes about what both NBA insiders and outsiders have long suspected: that the shine of LA is not what it appears to be behind the scenes.

In the past the Lakers could simply rely on their beautiful weather and Hollywood-connections to summon the greatest players to don the purple and gold. As a matter of fact, the Lakers brass reportedly pitched that to at-the-time free agent LaMarcus Aldridge in hopes he would leave Portland and join them. It didn't go too well, and neither did the second meeting. Aldridge turned down the Lakers offer to join the San Antonio Spurs, an organization that was never known for signing in-their-prime free agents from other teams, but drafting and developing players to win multiple championships. Their culture is one of professionalism and a "team above player" mentality. Perhaps it was the fact that he decided to play closer to home, but the fact that he chose San Antonio over LA was similar to what happened with Dwight Howard when he spurned the Lakers and took less to join the Houston Rockets. The Lakers are used to being the standard bearer for free agents, and now they are left holding the bag, having to get under the radar players in hopes of making one last title run during Kobe's twilight.

The Clippers also realized the changing NBA landscape as their franchise center DeAndre Jordan turned down playing in LA and a chance to compete for a title to join an aging Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas for $20 million less. It was reported that he was upset at the way he was being treated by fellow Clipper Paul, even to the point where he felt slighted because Paul wasn't giving him high fives in the huddle. Whether that it true or not, it has shown that it takes a lot more than just glitz and glamour of Tinseltown to get players to sign on the dotted line.

Before we start to think that it's just happening out in California, here's a man who took a major sacrifice to see his championship dreams come true:

David West is a two-time All Star who was the leader of an Indiana Pacers squad that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals twice. Known for his intensity, the Xavier forward has been a mainstay in the league, being an enforcer wherever he goes. As he enters the final stages of his own career, he spurned a player option worth 12.5 million to stay in Indiana to join the Spurs culture for the league minimum. Think about it, he gave up 11 million dollars to get a chance at a title, something he felt was no longer obtainable with the Pacers. Whether it was because of the words stated about the management throwing his teammate Roy Hibbert under the bus for the playoff results, or it was about something else, the fact is that he gave up an astounding sum to be part of a leadership that is stable and has a plan in place.

It doesn't matter how talented someone can be, it's extremely difficult to overcome a losing culture. Ask yourself what would you give up to be a part of something great? Would you give up riches to be part of something with many wise advisers who can set you on the right path?