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Clippers offseason outlook: Los Angeles is in need of a direction
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Clippers had a tumultuous season, starting 6-21 but finishing 42-40. They traded James Harden and faced various challenges, including player injuries and salary cap issues, leading to a need for direction in the offseason.
Key points
- Clippers started the season 6-21
- Finished with a record of 42-40
- Traded James Harden and faced player injuries
- Kawhi Leonard had the best individual season of his career
- Eliminated by Golden State Warriors in play-in tournament
Mentioned in this story
James HardenBradley BealChris PaulKawhi LeonardDarius Garland
Los Angeles ClippersCleveland CavaliersGolden State Warriors
What a weird season for the Los Angeles Clippers.
They started 6-21, only to rally and finish 42-40 on the year, traded James Harden, sent Ivica Zubac to the Pacers, saw free agent guard Bradley Beal play just six games, shut down point guard legend Chris Paul on his farewell tour, and also became the subject of alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard, who coincidentally had the best individual season of his career.
Deep exhale.
That's just a lot, however you decide to slice it. The Clippers basically always had something going on, making their late run all that more impressive, especially as they were incorporating Darius Garland, whom they acquired from the Cavs in the Harden deal.
With the Golden State Warriors knocking them out in the Western Conference 9-10 game in the play-in tournament on Wednesday, the Clippers now face an offseason in which they seek more stability and â hopefully â far less drama.
Maybe that's a dream when you consider how often they find themselves involved in, well, something. But nevertheless, this is the offseason to swing for it.
2025-26 finish
Record: 42-40, ninth in the Western Conference. Lost to the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.
Highlight of the season
Unquestionably, it's the run after their embarrassing 6-21 start. They were dead in the water, and entirely written off â justifiably so given the strength of the Western Conference â and yet found a rhythm that put them into position to fight for a spot in the playoffs. While the effort ultimately failed, that was nevertheless an enormous display of quality basketball.
Q&A
What were the key challenges faced by the Los Angeles Clippers this season?
The Clippers struggled with a poor start, injuries to key players like Bradley Beal, and controversies surrounding salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
How did the Clippers perform after their 6-21 start?
After their slow start, the Clippers rallied to finish the season with a record of 42-40.
What does the Clippers' offseason outlook look like after their playoff exit?
The Clippers are seeking more stability and less drama in the offseason following their elimination by the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.