Los Angeles may have missed out on the elusive freeway series (thanks, Derek Jeter…) but Angelenos will be happy with another local sports battle as the NBA season officially starts tonight with the Lakers and the Clippers facing off at 7:30 at the Staples Center. Kobe Bryant and The Lakers return after last season’s championship well-rested and ready to play. While the preseason can be deceptive, the Lakers looked as hot as ever and won 6 of their 8 games. The Clippers have always lived in the shadow of the dominant Lakers and this season they are already hitting some bad luck as their number one draft pick, Blake Griffin, fractured his right knee while racking up points in last Friday’s pre-season game. Have a NeuroBliss margarita and tune in tonight to see if Clippers can compete without their star player in what guarantees to be an exciting kick off to the NBA season.