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LeBron James Says Clippers Have Advantage in Play-In Game Against Warriors
TL;DR
LeBron James highlighted the Los Angeles Clippers' advantage in their upcoming Play-In game against the Golden State Warriors, citing the championship experience of Kawhi Leonard and coach Ty Lue. The game is crucial for the Clippers, as a loss would end their season, while a win would lead to a matchup against the Phoenix Suns for a playoff spot.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
The Los Angeles Clippers have a big game against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. The No. 9 seed Clippers are hosting the No. 10 seed Warriors in a must-win NBA Play-In game at the Intuit Dome.
If the Clippers lose, their 2025-26 season is over. But if the Clippers win, Los Angeles will advance to a game against the Phoenix Suns on Friday. The winner between the Clippers and Suns will earn a playoff spot.
Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James said one of the Clippers’ biggest advantages going into the game is the championship experience from superstar Kawhi Leonard and head coach Ty Lue.
Leonard won two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs (2014) and Toronto Raptors (2019). Meanwhile, Lue won back-to-back titles as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000 and 2001 and then won a third as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
“Everything depends on Kawhi’s health, and for this season, the guy’s been healthy as sh*t and has played some of the best basketball of his career,” James said on his “Mind The Game” podcast. “You got championship DNA on the court with Kawhi and you got a championship coach. That plays a lot, especially in a one-game series.”
LeBron James on the LA Clippers’ advantage in a Play-In scenario:
"Everything depends on Kawhi’s health, and for this season, the guy’s been healthy as sh*t and has played some of the best basketball of his career. You got championship DNA on the court with Kawhi and you got a… pic.twitter.com/MdTQel2wlB
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) April 14, 2026
Warriors Are At Another Disadvantage
The Warriors also have a lot championship experience on their roster, with four-time NBA champions Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Head coach Steve Kerr has the most NBA championships, winning nine as a player and coach.
Kerr won three championships as a player with the Chicago Bulls, two as a player for the Spurs and four as head coach of the Warriors. Kerr won all four of those titles with the Warriors with Curry and Green on the roster.
But the Warriors have a major disadvantage going into the Play-In game.
Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will all be on a 40-minute playing time restriction during Wednesday’s game against the Clippers. Curry is still managing a knee injury that caused him to miss 27 regular season games.
This will be another advantage in favor of the Clippers for the crucial game.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The post LeBron James Says Clippers Have Advantage in Play-In Game Against Warriors appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Q&A
What is at stake for the Clippers in the Play-In game against the Warriors?
The Clippers must win the game to avoid elimination from the 2025-26 season; a loss would end their season.
Who are the key players mentioned by LeBron James that give the Clippers an advantage?
LeBron James mentioned Kawhi Leonard and head coach Ty Lue as key figures providing championship experience to the Clippers.
What happens if the Clippers win against the Warriors?
If the Clippers win, they will advance to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday for a chance to secure a playoff spot.
