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Dave McMenamin
Multiple Authors
LOS ANGELES — The LA Clippers may present a considerably changed lineup compared to the squad that entered the season with high expectations, yet Clippers coach Tyronn Lue asserted on Friday that the team’s objectives remain unchanged.
“Man, we’re playing to win,” Lue stated ahead of their 125-122 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. “It doesn’t matter if it’s young, old, toddlers … whoever’s on the floor, our goal is to win. I mean, we’re here to win. There’s simply no other reason to compete.”
The Clippers began the season with a dismal 6-21 record, struggling as a franchise. Bradley Beal suffered a season-ending hip injury, Chris Paul was effectively sidelined by the organization, and Kawhi Leonard — under investigation by the NBA for an Aspiration endorsement deal allegedly involving salary cap violations by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer — missed substantial time due to a sprained ankle.
In December, with his team 15 games below .500 and preparing to face the rival Lakers, Lue took a stand and publicly challenged his squad to finish with a record of 35-20 or better, at least aiming for a 41-41 season.
“I didn’t anticipate this turnaround happening so quickly, but I believed we had the potential,” Lue remarked regarding the Clippers nearing .500. “Once we got [Leonard] healthy, able to play more minutes and feel good, that’s when we took off and started accumulating wins, which has been beneficial for us.”
During this turnaround, the Clippers reshaped their roster, trading perennial All-Star James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Darius Garland, who has yet to play for LA, and sending big man Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for wing Bennedict Mathurin.
Leonard has been a key player driving the team’s success, contributing to victories over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets following the trade deadline. Last weekend, he also excelled at the NBA All-Star Game, finishing second in MVP voting.
yet, after the Clippers’ narrow 115-114 victory against the Nuggets on Thursday, he was questioned about whether the Clippers could still contend for a championship this season. Leonard categorized his team differently.
“I think it’s over now,” Leonard told reporters on Thursday. “It’s the second half, essentially the final portion of the season remaining, but every day offers a chance to grow, learn, and improve. So, we just need to evaluate our progress in two weeks and see what unfolds from there.”
Lue interpreted Leonard’s comments as a straightforward acknowledgment of the team’s transformation, not as a criticism.
“I interpreted his statement as acknowledging that when he first arrived, there was PG [Paul George], Kawhi, James, Russ [Russell Westbrook], and Zu,” Lue explained. “Now, with a younger roster, we need to adapt our play style. We need to approach things differently and improve.”
When asked what instills confidence in his team, especially given the competitive Western Conference, Lue responded:
“I just feel confident. I believe in our players, our coaching staff, and the environment we’ve established, the culture we’ve fostered,” he said. “And why wouldn’t you strive to win?
“That’s our approach. That’s my mindset every single night. although starting at 6-21 or any other challenges, we’re here to win. So, if we make it to the playoffs, anything is possible. Our aim is to reach the playoffs, so I don’t understand why anyone would dismiss that.”
And what if they achieve that goal?
“If we do, and if I’m in a playoff series, I trust my chances,” Lue concluded.
