The Los Angeles Clippers once again saw their season come to an end earlier than they would have liked when they bowed out of the 2024 NBA Playoffs in the first round after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. Of course, Kawhi Leonard's lingering injury woes played a big role in the outcome of that series, and it's safe to say patience is running thin in Los Angeles.
It's been five seasons now since the Clippers paired up Leonard with Paul George, and the results have left a lot to be desired. Leonard has missed significant time in each of those seasons, as he simply cannot stay on the court when LA needs him the most. And as a result of his continued injury woes, Stephen A. Smith dropped a steaming hot take in regards to Leonard's superstar status.
Clippers at a crossroads with their Kawhi Leonard, Paul George duo
When Leonard is on the floor playing for the Clippers, he's still one of the best players in the league, as he proved in the 2023-24 campaign (23.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 52.5 FG%). The problem is that it hasn't translated to the playoffs, where LA hasn't managed to go on a run to the Finals with Kawhi and George on the floor.
This offseason is a big one for the Clippers, and while they recently signed Tyronn Lue to a five-year, $70 million extension, they have to figure out what they are doing with their roster. Leonard's injury issues are obviously noteworthy, but George could hit the open market if he turns down his player option for the 2024-25 campaign. And if that happens, Jay Williams believes that he should consider going to the Philadelphia 76ers to team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George has also continued to prove he can play at a high level for the Clippers (22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 47.1 FG%), but again, injuries have played a role in his time with the team. He could decide that his partnership with Leonard isn't working this offseason, and find a new home. If George were to hit the open market, he would instantly be one of the top free agents available.
Smith and Williams' takes paint a picture of just how important this offseason is for Los Angeles. The core duo of their roster have a lot of question marks surrounding them, and there's a real chance that they will be broken up this offseason. If that happens (with the most likely outcome being George leaving in free agency), there would be an even bigger spotlight on Leonard. If you ask Smith, it's not one that he's up for at this stage of his career, and it's fair to wonder whether or not he has a point based on how the past five seasons have transpired.
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