The Los Angeles Clippers are going through somewhat of a transition period, with the team trading Russell Westbrook and letting Paul George walk in NBA free agency this summer while also starting a new era at the Intuit Dome after spending more than two decades at Crypto.com Arena with the division-rival Los Angeles Lakers.
Along with deciding to move on from two of their star players, the Clippers brass chose to commit to superstars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden for the foreseeable future, a bold and interesting choice for a team that wants to remain relevant in a stacked Western Conference.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, Leonard is already dealing with knee issues, which will keep him sidelined for the next few weeks, so head coach Tyronn Lue and his coaching staff will have to lean on Harden moving forward.
Although the Clippers gave the division-rival Phoenix Suns all they could handle in the season opener at Intuit Dome, Los Angeles is sitting at 0-1, with Lue knowing Harden has to be “special” in Leonard’s absence via Legion Hoops.
“We need him to be special until Kawhi [Leonard] gets back,” Lue said.
Ty Lue on James Harden:
“We need him to be special until Kawhi [Leonard] gets back.”
(via @FlyByKnite) pic.twitter.com/BUYdjSForN
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 24, 2024
Even at full strength with Leonard back in the fold, the Clippers aren’t getting much consideration as a legitimate force to be reckoned with in the West this season, as many feel they don’t have the talent to contend with the best of the best in the conference.
Although the Clippers will always have a chance to compete with a healthy Harden and Leonard, there’s no telling how this team will do with their best player on the mend and the squad needing to lean on the one-time NBA MVP.
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