The Los Angeles Clippers won 50 games last season, exceeding any expectations. This summer, they lost star guard Norman Powell. He was replaced by depth pieces Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and John Collins, and the Clippers also managed to sign Bradley Beal.
After a solid campaign last season, the Clippers were expected to be in the mix, despite the Western Conference being more talented than ever. Instead, they sit at 3-6.
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, when healthy, have remained effective well into their 30s. Ivica Zubac continues to be one of the most underrated players in the league. However, Beal is a shell of himself, and age has clearly caught up with both Paul and Lopez.
It’s still early in the season, but with a recent injury update, the Clippers’ window might be closing.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 24: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on April 24, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers Give Injury Update
Since signing with the Clippers in 2019, Leonard has been one of the most unreliable players in the league.
When he’s on the court, he’s fantastic. Since arriving, he has averaged 24.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He has made three All-Star Games and three All-NBA appearances. However, he has played in 60 or more games only once.
Injuries are just a fact of life with Leonard. Last season, he didn’t debut until January and remained healthy for the final half of the season. This year, he has already missed three games, and there’s no sign he will return anytime soon.
“He’s going to miss the next few games, but nothing serious, and we just evaluate from there,” said head coach Tyronn Lue on November 8th.
While the ankle sprain doesn’t sound “serious,” routine injuries have kept Leonard out for longer in the past. Clippers’ fans shouldn’t expect him to return early.
Los Angeles Clippers Are Barely Staying Afloat
At 3-6 on the season, the Clippers are 13th in the West, already two games back from a playoff spot. Leonard, as always, has been their best player this season, but his latest injury news just cements that building around him is nearly impossible.
In the three games he’s missed already, the Clippers are 0-3 with a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and two losses to the Phoenix Suns.
The Clippers’ next five games are against the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. The matchup against Dallas is their only “gimme,” and with their recent play, even that is not guaranteed.
Unless Beal can improve or Collins takes an even bigger role in the offense, the Clippers’ season is on the rocks. They owe the Thunder a first-round pick swap in 2026, so waving the white flag wouldn’t be prudent.
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