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2025-26 NBA Guide : Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers: Another DisappointmentLast season, the Los Angeles Clippers got off to a surprising start. Even without Kawhi Leonard, head coach Tyronn Lue’s squad, led by All-Star James Harden, relied on defense and team chemistry to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference. That remained the case until January 2025, when Kawhi returned from his knee […]
Clippers: Another Disappointment
Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers got off to a surprising start. Even without Kawhi Leonard, head coach Tyronn Lue’s squad, led by All-Star James Harden, relied on defense and team chemistry to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference. That remained the case until January 2025, when Kawhi returned from his knee issues and helped the Clippers take the next step in their season.
With their star forward back, the team won 26 of 37 games and 15 of their last 17 heading into the playoffs, arriving as one of the hottest teams in the league.
Finishing with a 50–32 record, the Clippers stood out for their strong defense, offensive power (driven by their two stars and key contributors like Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac), and overall roster depth. However, they drew the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets, featuring Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who also had home-court advantage.
Los Angeles led the series 2–1 and was in the middle of a comeback in Game 4, managing to tie the game — only to see Aaron Gordon hit an unbelievable game-winner. The series stayed tight through Game 7 in Denver, but the Nuggets dominated that final matchup to advance to the second round.
Clippers Bet on Veterans in the Offseason
The Clippers had an interesting offseason. First, they extended James Harden for two years and re-signed Nicolas Batum, the team’s versatile utility player, on the same term. In addition, they added two veterans on cheap contracts: Chris Paul, who joins as a backup to stabilize the second unit, and Bradley Beal, who’s expected to start alongside Harden.
In free agency, the team also signed center Brook Lopez to back up Ivica Zubac, who was a contender for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player in 2024–25. Lastly, the Clippers traded for power forward John Collins, who is expected to start, helping space the floor and bolster their physical presence in the paint — one of the main weaknesses exposed in the series against Denver.
On the other hand, the team’s biggest departure was Norman Powell, who was part of the deal to acquire Collins. Shooting guard Amir Coffey, who had some key moments for the Clippers in past seasons, also left the team.
Expectations Are High for the Upcoming Season
Heading into the new season, the Clippers boast one of the most talented and complete rosters in the NBA. After two solid regular seasons, the team has added even more firepower and remains led by an excellent coach who consistently gets the most out of his group — even amid injuries. Naturally, expectations are high, and the Clippers are projected to finish in the top four in the West, securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.
However, the team continues to battle injury concerns — especially with Kawhi Leonard — and tends to fall short in crucial moments, most notably with James Harden. Another major concern will be managing the health of their aging roster over an 82-game season and into the playoffs, especially with an eye toward potential matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a young and hungry defending champion looking to repeat.
Can Kawhi Leonard Stay Healthy for a Full Season?
Forward Kawhi Leonard appeared in just 37 regular-season games last year but entered the playoffs in top form. When the pressure rises, he’s usually the one who takes control and delivers. With him on the floor, the Clippers can compete with virtually any team in the league.
However, that depends on Kawhi staying healthy and available, as both he and the team are currently under NBA investigation for an alleged salary cap violation.
Injuries Remain the Team’s Main Concern
If this deep, talented roster can stay healthy, Tyronn Lue will find a way to make them play at an elite level. But that’s been the big “what if” hanging over the Clippers for more than a decade — dating back to the “Lob City” era of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan.
When fully healthy and clicking, the Clippers can compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets in the Western Conference.
