Even a fortune-teller could not have predicted what would happen after the LA Clippers' painfully memorable sequence in 2020. They easily had the most stacked roster in the NBA's 'Bubble' at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida, and this was their best chance to redeem the fans’ wishes from the 'Lob City' squad that should have sealed the deal.
Furthermore, their blown 3-1 lead in the ‘Bubble’ commenced disaster for Kawhi Leonard. In the years that followed, the two-time champion had damaged an ACL and meniscus, and had extreme knee inflammation that even medicinal shots could not suffice.
Clipper Nation had convinced themselves with reason that his best days were wasted, and that the six-time All-Star would never be healthy enough again to finish the annual postseason marathon. This assumption was close to accurate before this season.
The Clippers hit a on a lucky jackpot throughout 2025, as Leonard was without injury risk or a minutes-restriction for the playoffs. However, LA returned home on a failed run, and this may have been their final shot at bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the Intuit Dome.
The odds developed by experts have the LA Clippers being much worse next season, and they may be correct
Despite a healthy status from Kawhi Leonard, another playoff run went down the drain. The LA Clippers waved the white flag disappointingly in Game Seven against the Denver Nuggets, as their rotation was in a significant deficit.
LA had an opportunity to prevail, but Leonard and his squad did not prepare. Though excuses are unreasonable, the fatigue of seven games against a team with a home-elevation advantage beat them.
Moreover, Clipper Nation is constantly stressing, rightfully so, and this time it pertains to Leonard and his well-being to stay healthy through this point next season. This will remain a question regardless of how many games he suits up for until his playing days are over.
Aside from that, the Clippers’ superstar point guard James Harden is aging, as he will enter his 36th chapter of life in August. He is still great, but the clock on a decline in performance is ticking for the former MVP given no athlete can play the game forever.
Simply having these fears regarding the two most dominant players of the Leonard-era in LA shows how this season may have been their last best chance at successfully winning the NBA Finals.