The Los Angeles Clippers began life after Chris Paul with a win over city rivals the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center last night.Even with all the hype surrounding the debut of Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball, the Clippers showed they are still the best team in L.A. with a 108-92 rout.Blake Griffin was the star of the show and posted a game-high 29 points and 12 rebounds on 12-of-23 shooting.The big man finally looked healthy and showed off his offensive skill by scoring in a variety of ways.Most impressively, he shot 3-of-6 from three-point range and looked extremely confident with a more versatile game.The five-time All-Star also displayed that he hasn't lost the athleticism that we've been used to since he entered the league and Julius Randle learned that first hand.He may not get up as much as he used to but he gave us a treat as he dribbled into the paint and threw down a monster dunk on Randle.

He doesn't have CP3 to throw lobs to him or hit him on the pick-and-roll so he took matters into his own hands and displayed his ball-handling abilities as well as his crazy hops.

It's already an early-season contender for dunk of the year and could be a sign of things to come from Griffin if he remains healthy.

The 28-year-old was aggressive throughout the game and looks determined to take on more responsibility following Paul's departure.

Head coach Doc Rivers has already admitted that Blake will have to accept many roles this campaign and he's more than willing to be a Swiss army knife for his team.

But above all, the veteran will have to be a leader and focal point for the franchise and is ready to accept the challenge.

"I've fully embraced that," he told ESPN recently. "This is my ninth year now; it's time to take on that role. ... (in the past) I led by example, but I'll be more outspoken this year."

Despite the summer departures - which also included J.J. Redick - and the many new arrivals, Griffin is still as determined as ever to win a title.

"I want to be a Hall of Famer, have an impact on my franchise, and you can do all of that by winning a championship," he said.

The All-NBA star has made the perfect start to the new campaign and is a man on a mission.